Why Do Apples Float? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn why do apples float?. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

Apples float because they are less dense than water.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

197 words

Reading Passage

An apple can float in water. This happens because of density. Density means how heavy something is for its size.

Some things are very dense. A small rock is dense, so it usually sinks in water. To sink means to go down below the surface.

An apple is not as dense as water. It has many tiny air spaces inside. These air spaces make the apple lighter for its size. Because of this, the apple can stay on top of water.

The apple peel also helps hold the fruit together. But the main reason an apple floats is that the whole apple, including its air spaces, is less dense than water.

Not every fruit floats in the same way. Some fruits have less air inside. Some have thick heavy parts. They may sink or float lower in the water.

If you cut an apple into small pieces, some pieces may float differently. Water can enter the fruit, and the shape changes.

Apples float because they have air spaces and are less dense than water.

Apples have air spaces that help make them less dense than water.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
float	to stay on top of a liquid	The apple can float in water.
sink	to go down in a liquid	The coin will sink.
dense	heavy for its size	A rock is dense.
air space	a small space filled with air	An apple has tiny air spaces.
water	a clear liquid people drink	The apple floated in water.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What does float mean?
2. What does density mean?
3. Why does a rock often sink?
4. What inside an apple helps it float?
5. Do all fruits float in the same way?

Answers

1. It means to stay on top of a liquid.
2. It means how heavy something is for its size.
3. It is very dense.
4. Tiny air spaces help it float.
5. No, fruits can float differently.

Short Summary

Apples float because tiny air spaces make the whole apple less dense than water.

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