Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 13 - Think and Explain - Page 261-263: 71

Answer

Mercury is almost twice as dense as iron (page 230). A solid block of iron will displace its weight in mercury before it is completely immersed, and therefore can float in mercury. In water, it sinks because a solid block of iron cannot displace its weight in water. (However, a hollowed out block of iron can float in water - we call that a ship.)
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