The difference in density is responsible for one floating and one sinking …

When placed in water, these two common citrus fruits present very differently in terms of buoyancy. One clearly floats, while the other clearly sinks. Interestingly, this is true even when these fruits are sliced or peeled!

Hint #1– An object will float if it is less dense than the liquid it is placed in and will sink if it is denser than the liquid it is placed in.

Hint #2: It all comes down to the ‘pith’, which is that white, spongy layer right under the peel. The layer of pith is less dense than water, and this fruit has a lot more of it, causing it to float. Also, to be clear, we’re talking about lemons and limes here.

So which is which?

And the answer is….

LEMONS float, and LIMES sink!

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