Why if we put Saturn in water, it will float?

In summary, Saturn would float if placed in water due to its low density and composition of mostly gas and ice. The planet's average density is less than that of water, causing it to have a buoyant force that allows it to float. Additionally, the atmosphere of Saturn is mostly made up of hydrogen, which is less dense than water. These factors combined would result in Saturn floating on the surface of water.
  • #1
LeilaTesla
Why if we put Saturn in water, it will float?
 
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  • #2
Density is 0.7. Anything less than 1 floats. (Where do expect to find a big enough basin?
 
  • #3
It's a highly misleading claim, since you couldn't really float Saturn in a vessel of water of any size. (Saturn's gravitation will have deleterious effects on your vessel of water). But it is true that Saturn is less dense than water:

Saturn masses 5.7 x 1026 kg.
A volume of water the size of Saturn would mass 8.3 x 1026kg.
 
  • #4
Interesting
 
  • #5


Saturn is a gas giant planet composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, which are both less dense than water. This means that Saturn has a very low density compared to water, causing it to float on top of the water if placed in it. Additionally, Saturn is much larger than Earth, with a diameter of over 75,000 miles. This large size also contributes to its low density, as the planet's gravity is not strong enough to compress its gases into a denser form. Therefore, the combination of Saturn's low density and large size allows it to float on water.
 

1. Why would Saturn float in water?

Saturn would float in water because it is less dense than water. Density is defined as mass per unit volume, and Saturn's average density is about 0.687 g/cm3, while water has a density of 1 g/cm3. This means that for a given volume, Saturn has less mass than the same volume of water, making it less dense and able to float on top.

2. How can Saturn be less dense than water?

Saturn is less dense than water because it is mostly made up of lighter elements, such as hydrogen and helium. These elements have lower atomic masses than the elements that make up water, such as oxygen and hydrogen, resulting in a lower overall density for Saturn. Additionally, Saturn's large size and low gravitational force also contribute to its low density.

3. Is there any other planet that would float in water?

Yes, there are other planets that would float in water, such as Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. These gas giants are also mostly made up of lighter elements and have low densities, making them able to float on water. However, smaller planets like Earth, Mars, and Venus are more dense and would sink in water.

4. Would Saturn float in any type of water?

Yes, Saturn would float in any type of water, as long as the water is liquid. This includes freshwater, saltwater, and even liquid methane and ammonia, which are present on Saturn's moons. As long as the density of the water is higher than Saturn's, it will float on top.

5. How does the temperature of the water affect Saturn's ability to float?

The temperature of the water does not affect Saturn's ability to float. As long as the water is in liquid form, its density will not change significantly enough to affect Saturn's buoyancy. However, if the water were to freeze, it would become less dense and Saturn would sink. This is why icebergs, which are made of frozen freshwater, float on top of the ocean.

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