CATAGORY: Mechanics
QUESTION: The question I have is conceptual.  Am I correct in assuming
that if a solid object equally as dense as water is placed gently on the
surface of the water water it will sink until it is slightly below the
surface of the water and then be at equilibrium whereas an object that is
less dense will just float.  Moreover, if the object is slightly MORE
dense will it accelerate downward even if it is ONLY slightly more dense
than the water?

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Yes you are correct.  A slightly more dense object will sink.  There
is however a fine point that should not be overlooked.  It is possible
to have lightweight objects such as paperclips, sewing needles etc.,
which are (much) more dense dense than water, not sink!  If they are
placed very gently on the surface of water they will 'float' because
the surface tension of the water supports them.  They are not floating
in the usual sense in that it is not bouyancy forces supporting them
but until the water surface tension is broken they will not sink.