Hello, I'm a horticulturist with a keen interest in the properties of various fruits, including their buoyancy. When it comes to bananas, whether they can float or not is an interesting question that involves a bit of physics and the specific characteristics of the fruit.

Bananas are slightly denser than water, with a density that is typically around 0.98 g/cm³, while water has a density of 1 g/cm³. This means that a ripe banana, which is mostly water itself, will tend to sink in water because its overall density is slightly less than that of water. However, unripe bananas, which contain more starch and are less dense, might float for a short period before they become fully submerged as they begin to absorb water and become heavier.

It's also worth noting that the buoyancy of an object is not solely determined by its density but also by its shape and the distribution of its mass. A banana's curved shape might allow it to float briefly if it's positioned in a way that maximizes the volume of water it displaces.

In conclusion, while ripe bananas will generally sink, unripe bananas might float for a short time due to their lower density. However, the buoyancy can change quickly as the fruit absorbs water.

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He may have just been hallucinating or traumatized as a child. After researching, bananas do not easily float.. in freshwater. However, almost anything can float in seawater because of its salinity and density affecting the buoyancy (Highschool all over again).read more >>