======Sinking Orange Floating Peel====== **Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\ **Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\ **Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\ \\ **Categories:** {{$demo.categories}} \\ **Alternative titles:** Natural Life Jackets ====Summary==== {{$demo.summary}} ====Procedure==== - Fill two large glasses or containers with water. - Place an unpeeled orange into the first container and observe that it floats. - Peel the second orange and place it into the second container of water. - Observe that the peeled orange sinks to the bottom. - Compare the results and discuss why the heavier orange floats. ====Links==== Sinking Orange Floating Peel - 4SciFun: {{youtube>gdN9z6Y8X7c?}}\\ 📄 Why Does the Heavier Orange Float Science Experiment - Cool Science Experiments Headquarters: [[https://coolscienceexperimentshq.com/why-does-the-heavier-orange-float/]]\\ ====Variations==== * Try the experiment with other fruits that have porous skins (e.g., lemons, limes, or grapefruits). * Test if partial peeling of the orange changes whether it floats or sinks. * Weigh the oranges before the experiment to emphasize that the floating orange is actually heavier. ====Safety Precautions==== * Handle the glass containers carefully to avoid spills or breakage. * Clean up any spilled water to prevent slipping. * Use caution when peeling the orange to avoid cutting yourself. ====Questions to Consider==== * Why does the unpeeled (heavier) orange float while the peeled (lighter) one sinks? * What role does the peel play in helping the orange float? * How does this experiment relate to the concept of density and buoyancy? * Can you think of other real-world examples where trapped air helps objects float (e.g., life jackets, boats)?