GS-2 Physical Sciences Question 34

[tjk447963]

I am a little confused with the explanation for this answer. If the specific gravity (density object/density water)is between .5 and 1, then how can the density of the object ever be greater than the density of water (which is stated in iii)? If the density of the object was greater than the density of water, wouldn't the specific gravity be greater than 1 and the object would not float at all?

Thanks for any clarification.

[mcat_premed3832]

The explanation explored 3 hypothetical situations. You are right to assume that if the specific gravity (density object/density water) is between .5 and 1, then the density of the object cannot be greater than the density of water (which is stated in iii). Keeping in mind that the block remained floating, options (i) and (ii) are reasonable (the block must have a density equal to or less than water BUT also greater than 0.5 g/ml).