Police Sergeant Practice Exam

After how many days of submersion will a dead body float in warm water?

1. 3 to 5 days

2. 5 to 7 days

3. 8 to 10 days

4. More than 10 days

The correct answer is: 8 to 10 days

In estimating the timeframe for when a submerged dead body will begin to float in warm water, a variety of factors come into play, including water temperature, the condition of the body, and environmental conditions. In warmer water, the process of decomposition is accelerated due to bacteria and other microorganisms breaking down the tissues of the body. Typically, after a period of about 8 to 10 days, gases produced from decomposition, particularly in the abdominal cavity, can cause the body to start bloating. This buildup of gases ultimately leads to a loss of density, resulting in buoyancy that causes the body to rise to the surface. The correct answer reflects this general understanding of human decomposition in warm water, emphasizing that by approximately 8 to 10 days, it's common for a body to begin buoyancy due to the effects of decomposition. This timeframe can vary, but it provides a reliable estimate for law enforcement and forensic professionals in determining timeframes for bodies found in aquatic environments.