Why is salt water denser than fresh water?

Here is another fun STEM concept to explore with your budding scientist.

Why is salt water denser than fresh water? The answer is that salt water has salt in it - and lots of it. Salt doesn’t add much to the volume of the water, or the amount of space it takes up, but it does add more mass, or weight. Since density is determined by the comparison of mass (weight) to volume (space), salt water has greater mass than freshwater and therefore, greater density. This is why it is easier for objects to float in salt water – the water is denser and makes more of a “cushion” for objects to float on.

Our Kazoom Kids Wonder Out Loud series is a wonderful way to explore STEM concepts with your curious little learner. Ask the question, see what they think the answer is and engage with the concept in a meaningful way. Have fun and enjoy the exploration that follows! You never know where it might lead you…