What is the relationship between density and buoyancy?

Density and buoyancy are directly related; an object will float if its density is less than the fluid it's in.

Buoyancy is a force exerted by a fluid that opposes an object's weight. It's the reason why objects like ships, which are much denser than water, can float. The principle of buoyancy, also known as Archimedes' principle, states that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Density, on the other hand, is a measure of mass per unit volume. It's a fundamental property of matter and is typically expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³). The density of an object determines whether it will float or sink in a fluid. If an object's density is less than the density of the fluid it's in, it will float. Conversely, if the object's density is greater than the fluid's, it will sink.

The relationship between density and buoyancy can be seen in everyday life. For example, a cork floats in water because its density is less than that of water. On the other hand, a stone sinks because its density is greater than that of water.

In summary, the density of an object and the fluid it's in determines the buoyant force acting on the object. If the object's density is less than the fluid's, the buoyant force will be greater than the object's weight, and it will float. If the object's density is greater, the buoyant force will be less than the object's weight, and it will sink. This fundamental principle is crucial in many areas of physics, including fluid dynamics and the design of ships and submarines.