Re: Why do some soda cans sink while others float?

The difference between (normal, as opposed to diet) sodas -- some
floating while others sink -- will be entirely due to the proportion of sugar
in the soda. At a certain percentage of dissolved sugar, the density of
a sealed can of soda will become great enough for it to sink in water.
Other ingredients are present in amounts too small to matter.

Actually your question comes as a surprise. I knew regular Coke sinks, and
assumed that all sugared soda would do the same.

Diet soda floats because it is mostly carbonated water (the carbonation helps
reduce the density); there is much less sweetener (by weight) because
aspartame is much sweeter than sugar, gram-for-gram.

                                       Dan Berger
                                       MadSci Administrator