An iron nail sinks in water whereas an iron ship floats. Which of the following statements is correct in this regard ? 1. Average density of ship is greater than that of the water 2. Average density of iron nail is greater than that of the water 3. Average density of the ship is less than that of the water 4. Average density of the ship is equal to that of the water Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The phenomenon of floating or sinking is governed by Archimedes' Principle and the concept of average density.

• Statement 2 is correct: An iron nail is a solid object. Since the density of iron (approx. 7.8 g/cm³) is significantly higher than the density of water (1 g/cm³), the nail cannot displace enough water to equal its own weight, causing it to sink.
• Statement 3 is correct: Although a ship is made of iron, it is designed to be hollow and contains a large volume of air. The average density of the ship (total mass divided by total volume, including the air inside) is less than the density of water. This allows the ship to displace a weight of water equal to its own weight, providing enough buoyant force to float.

Statements 1 and 4 are incorrect because a higher average density would cause sinking, and equal density would result in neutral buoyancy.