Why does a squashed pan go to the bottom of water?

A squashed pan, having a smaller volume and potentially higher density due to its shape and material, displaces less water compared to its weight. Since it cannot generate enough buoyant force to counteract its weight, it sinks to the bottom. The principles of buoyancy dictate that an object will float if it displaces an amount of water equal to its weight; if it cannot do so, it will sink.