11.5. Stability of Floating Objects

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the buoyant force?

   Hint

   Think about what happens when you put an object in water.

2. 2.

   Define the center of buoyancy.

   Hint

   Where do you think the buoyant force acts?

3. 3.

   What determines if an object will float or sink?

   • The shape of the object only
   • The buoyant force compared to its weight
   • The color of the object

   Hint

   Consider Archimedes' principle.

4. 4.

   True or False: The center of buoyancy always stays the same regardless of the object’s position in water.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember how the buoyant force acts on the displaced fluid.

5. 5.

   A boat with a CG of 1.2m above the waterline has a metacentric height of 1.5m. What is the stability condition of the boat?

   Hint

   Why does this height difference help the boat stay stable?

6. 6.

   Describe how the design of an oil tanker, which has a wide and flat base, contributes to its stability in rough seas.

   Hint

   Think about how it moves in water during tides.