If an object's density is less than that of the fluid it is placed in, what will happen?

When an object's density is less than that of the fluid in which it is submerged, the principle of buoyancy comes into play. According to Archimedes' principle, any object that is less dense than the fluid it is in will experience a buoyant force that is greater than its own weight. This buoyant force acts upwards against gravity, resulting in the object floating on the surface of the fluid.

In practical terms, consider a classic example: a wooden plank placed in water. The density of the wood is lower than that of the water, causing it to float. Conversely, an object with a density greater than that of the fluid will sink, and if an object is neutrally buoyant, it will neither sink nor float but remain suspended at a certain depth.

The other answers present scenarios that do not align with the understanding of density and buoyancy. Objects do not sink or explode simply based on their density in this context, and remaining neutrally buoyant is only possible when an object's density matches that of the fluid. Therefore, listing floating as the correct answer accurately reflects the fundamental behavior of objects in relation to their density compared to that of a fluid.