Floating and sinking
6 free practice questions with explanations
PassNova has 6 free Kids Everyday Materials practice questions on Floating and sinking, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.
Floating and sinking: example questions & answers
6 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback on every answer.
Which of these usually floats on water?
- AA rubber duck✓
- BA brick
- CA rock
- DA metal spoon
Answer: A rubber duck is light and full of air, so it floats on top of the water.
Which of these usually sinks in water?
- AA wooden stick
- BA plastic ball
- CA heavy stone✓
- DA cork
Answer: A heavy stone sinks because it is dense and cannot stay on top of the water.
What do we call it when something stays on top of the water?
- ASinking
- BFloating✓
- CMelting
- DFreezing
Answer: When an object stays up on top of the water instead of going down, we say it is floating.
What do we call it when something goes down to the bottom of the water?
- AFloating
- BBouncing
- CFlying
- DSinking✓
Answer: When an object drops to the bottom of the water, we say it is sinking.
Why do big ships float even though they are made of heavy metal?
- AMetal is lighter than water
- BThe sea is made of jelly
- CThey are hollow and full of air inside✓
- DThey are pulled up by balloons
Answer: Ships are shaped with lots of air space inside, which helps them float even though they are heavy.
Which of these floats because it is very light and full of tiny air holes?
- AA pebble
- BA marble
- CA metal coin
- DA cork✓
Answer: A cork is full of tiny air pockets, which makes it light enough to float.