Why Do Stools Float Or Sink

When you flush the toilet, your stool goes down the drain and disappears. But what happens to it after that? Does it float or sink? The answer depends on a few factors, including the density of the stool, the density of the water, and the surface tension of the water.

Density

is a measure of how much mass an object has for its size. The more mass an object has, the denser it is. The density of water is 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm3). This means that for every cubic centimeter of water, there is 1 gram of mass. The density of stool can vary depending on what you eat and how much water you drink. However, the average density of stool is about 1.05 g/cm3.

Surface tension

is the force that causes the surface of a liquid to behave like a stretched elastic membrane. The surface tension of water is caused by the attraction between water molecules. The surface tension of water is about 72 dynes per centimeter (dynes/cm). This means that it takes 72 dynes of force to break the surface tension of water.

When stool is flushed down the toilet, it enters the water and begins to sink. The density of the stool is greater than the density of the water, so the stool will sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl. However, if the surface tension of the water is strong enough, it can hold the stool up and keep it from sinking. The surface tension of water is strong enough to hold up objects that are less dense than water, such as boats and insects. However, the surface tension of water is not strong enough to hold up objects that are more dense than water, such as rocks and metal objects.

So, whether or not a stool floats or sinks depends on the density of the stool, the density of the water, and the surface tension of the water. If the density of the stool is greater than the density of the water, the stool will sink. If the density of the stool is less than the density of the water, the stool will float. If the density of the stool is equal to the density of the water, the stool will neither float nor sink.

In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things that can affect whether or not a stool floats or sinks. These include the shape of the stool, the temperature of the water, and the presence of other substances in the water.

The shape of the stool can affect its buoyancy. A stool that is flat and wide will have a greater surface area than a stool that is narrow and round. The greater surface area will increase the force of the surface tension, which can help to keep the stool afloat. The temperature of the water can also affect the buoyancy of a stool. Warm water has a lower surface tension than cold water, so a stool is more likely to float in warm water than in cold water.

The presence of other substances in the water can also affect the buoyancy of a stool. For example, salt water has a higher density than fresh water, so a stool is more likely to float in salt water than in fresh water. The presence of surfactants, which are substances that reduce the surface tension of water, can also affect the buoyancy of a stool. Surfactants can be found in many household cleaning products, such as dish soap and laundry detergent.

The next time you flush the toilet, take a moment to think about the factors that determine whether your stool will float or sink. It's a fascinating topic that can teach you a lot about the properties of matter.