Why does oil float on water?

Why does oil float on water?

Oil floats because it's less dense than water. Density is mass per volume; oil is lighter for the same volume, so it rises above the denser water. Oil is also non-polar, whereas water is polar, and the two do not mix.

Why It Matters

This fact belongs to the general category and contributes to expanding general knowledge. Understanding such facts not only makes you smarter but also helps connect ideas across different fields.

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