Yes, objects with a higher density than quicksand can sink, while objects with a lower density will float. Movement and struggling in quicksand can actually cause a person or object to sink further due to the increased fluidity of the quicksand.
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No, a heavier person will not sink faster in quicksand. The sinking rate in quicksand is determined by the density and viscosity of the quicksand itself, not the weight of the person.
Heavy objects sink in quicksand because the force exerted by the weight of the object exceeds the buoyant force provided by the quicksand. The quicksand behaves like a non-Newtonian fluid, which increases viscosity with applied force. As the heavy object pushes down on the quicksand, it causes it to become more fluid-like, allowing the object to sink in.
The time it takes to sink in quicksand varies depending on the density and viscosity of the sand, as well as the individual's movements and body composition. In most cases, a person will not sink all the way through quicksand due to its buoyant nature. It is more likely that they will become stuck and require assistance to escape.
The biggest object known to have sunk in quicksand is a dump truck in 2017 in Vermont, USA. The truck was eventually removed from the quicksand with the help of heavy machinery.
The term "quicksand" is a bit misleading. While it may appear that sinking is slow, it is actually quite difficult to escape once you are trapped in it. The more you struggle, the deeper you sink, hence the danger of being stuck in quicksand.