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Home » Science Questions » How to make a lemon sink?

How to make a lemon sink?

Modified: May 4, 2023 · Published: Jun 29, 2012 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

Lemons float on water, but do you know how to make a lemon sink?

This fun science trick will baffle your friends and is a great way to learn about density!

Image of a jar filled with water with a whole lemon floating on the surface of the water and the inside of a lemon at the bottom.

Photo taken from Snackable Science

What you need to make a lemon sink

Bowl

Water

Lemon or orange

We tried pushing a lemon down to make it sink, but it just popped up again.

child's hand pushing down on a lemon in a bowl of water

What about if we chop it into smaller pieces?

I expected these small bits to sink, as without its waterproof skin, water can get into the lemon pulp and add to its weight, but our segments still floated.

pieces of lemon floating in a bowl of water

We then removed the skin and found the small bits of lemon sank. Why do you think this is?

lemon segments sinking in a bowl of water

Why do lemons float?

If you look at the inside of the lemon skin, you can see it is very thick and porous, this means it contains lots of air which makes it float.

thick lemon skn

Which other fruits do you think will float, and which sink?

Can you predict which fruits will sink and which float and test them?

Why do objects float in water?

Density plays a part in why some things float and some sink. Objects that are more dense than water sink, and those that are less dense float. The inside of the lemon is denser than the skin, so the inside of a lemon sinks, but a whole lemon floats thanks to the air bubbles in the skin.

When an object floats, it pushes the water out of the way ( displacement ). Have you ever noticed that when you climb into a bath, the water level moves up? That’s because your body displaces the water upwards.

More science for kids in the kitchen

Try one of my other exciting kitchen science experiments, including finding out why pineapple stops jelly setting, making meringue and even a butterfly life cycle.

Make a lemon battery!

Use your lemon rind to make and test a fruity boat.

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Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. maryanne @ mama smiles

    June 29, 2012 at 11:37 am

    What a great, simple science experiment about density!

    Reply
  2. maryanne @ mama smiles

    June 29, 2012 at 11:39 am

    Thanks for sharing with learning laboratory at mama smiles =)

    Reply
  3. Pinkoddy

    July 03, 2012 at 4:22 pm

    How fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  4. Ann

    July 05, 2012 at 2:58 am

    Now just add sugar!

    Very interesting!!! Apples float – I think… Bananas sink???

    Reply
  5. Carrie

    July 06, 2012 at 12:24 am

    What a fun lesson!! Thank you for sharing on Sharing Saturday!!

    Reply
    • Carrie

      July 07, 2012 at 12:14 am

      Just to let you know you are one of the most clicked this week, so I will be featuring this at Sharing Saturday tonight!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 08, 2012 at 9:28 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
  6. Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum

    July 09, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    This is a great way to look at porous and floating and sinking. Thank you for linking up to Tuesday Tots and just to let you know that I will be featuring it this week on Rainy Day Mum

    Reply
  7. Ticia

    July 12, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    Experiments like that always go over well. Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday!

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      July 13, 2012 at 7:05 pm

      Yes, we loved it!

      Reply
  8. Amelda Hermosillo

    December 09, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    Awesome!! Will experiment with 3 yr olds!!

    Reply

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