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Because its particles aren't as close together weighing it down. Water particles (H2O) are closer together (making the substance more dense) because they "want" to hydrogen bond with each other, which is energetically favorable. Oil (or any hydrocarbon) mainly "want" to just not be pushed up to another molecule so are farther apart at normal temperatures. Under very cold conditions this is less so (water is peculiar in that when it freezes it actually becomes less dense, that's why ice floats).
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoOil is less dense than water. That is why oil floats on water.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoOil is less dense than water, but it is more viscous (has more resistance to flow). Perhaps that's what you were getting at.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoCorrect!Therefore oil floats on water.
Anonymous
because water can float that all I Know
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Is oil less dense then water?
Kerosene and turpentine are less dense than engine oil. So is water and rubbing alcohol and other common liquids.
Why does ice float in oil?
Oil and water do not mix. Since ice is made of frozen water, it floats on oil because it will not mix with it and also because ice is relatively light
Why does sand oil and maple surup sink in water?
more dense substances sink, less dense substances float. oil will not sink in water, it will float, it is less dense.
Which is denser oil or water?
what i think is oil is denser because denser mean mass which is heavy and that is why the oil goes on the bottom when you add oil with water
If a substance is viscous is it denser than a less viscous liquid?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_the_viscosity_of_a_liquid_is_higher_than_another_liquid_does_that_mean_its_surface_density_would_be_higher_too" http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_the_viscosity_of_a_liquid_is_higher_than_another_liquid_does_that_mean_its_surface_density_would_be_higher_too" http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_the_viscosity_of_a_liquid_is_higher_than_another_liquid_does_that_mean_its_surface_density_would_be_higher_too"
Can you make oil less dense than water?
Oil IS already less dense than water.
Is water denser than oil?
No, in general most oils are LESS dense than water.
Will crude oil float on water or sink?
Most (but not all) oil is less dense than water. That oil which is less dense than water will float. That oil which is denser than water will sink.
Is water more or less dense than oil?
The density of water is greater than that of oil.
What is less dense than water?
oil
Is petrolium oil heavier than water?
Oil is less dense than water.
Is glycerin less dense than water and cooking oil?
No, it is more dense than water and cooking oil.
Is oil less dense then water?
Kerosene and turpentine are less dense than engine oil. So is water and rubbing alcohol and other common liquids.
A liquid that is less dense than water is?
oil
Why does oil float on the surface of water?
Because oil is less dense than water.
Is syrup more dense than oil?
Yes, syrup is more dense than water because of the sugar and oil is less dense than water, like all other oil.
Which oil sink in water?
No. Oil floats on water because it is less dense than water.
