The document discusses the factors that influence whether an object will float or sink in water. It explains that an object's density determines if it is more or less dense than water, and the denser object will sink while the less dense object will float. An object's shape can also impact its ability to float, as a larger surface area increases the upthrust force pushing it up. In conclusion, for an object to float it must be less dense than water or have a shape that increases upthrust, while sinking occurs when an object is denser than water.