Hooked on Science: Bowling ball surprise

A large object such as a bowling ball will sink in water, right? Not so fast. With a few materials from around the house, you can put that to the test.

Materials

* 8-pound bowling ball

* Can of regular soda

* Large transparent container

Instructions

STEP 1: Fill the large transparent container three-fourths of the way with water.

STEP 2: Place the can of regular soda into the large transparent container and observe.

STEP 3: Carefully place the 8-pound bowling ball into the large transparent container and observe.

Explanation

Surprisingly, the 8-pound bowling ball floats and the can of regular soda sinks. The reason the bowling ball floats is because it is less dense than water. The reason the can of regular soda sinks is because it is denser than water.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science.