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Does Engine Oil Float on Water?

Published in Fluid Density 1 min read

No, engine oil does not float on water. It sinks.

Why Engine Oil Sinks in Water

Engine oil is denser than water. Density is a measure of how much mass is packed into a given volume. Because engine oil has a higher density, it will sink below the less dense water. The YouTube video referenced shows this clearly; the oil sinks to the bottom when added to a container of water.

  • Density: Engine oil has a density greater than that of water. This difference in density is the primary reason for its behavior.
  • Observation: As shown in the provided video, when added to water, the oil settles at the bottom, demonstrating its higher density.
  • Practical Application: This property is important to consider in various situations, such as oil spills, where understanding the relative densities of oil and water is crucial for cleanup efforts.

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