Identifier:
FL: HS - 016
Concept Overview:
Buoyant Force
Lecturer Procedure
Step(s) to Follow
- Float the smaller beaker in the larger beaker.
- Draw the water line with the marker.
- Ask students to make a prediction as to what will happen to the water level when the beaker sinks.
- Sink the beaker.
- Note the new water line.
Expected Result
The water level will drop. Since copper's density (8.96 g/cm^3) is more than that of water, less water is displaced when the "ship" is sunk.
Further explanation:
The buoyant force (equal to the weight of the water that is displaced) equals the weight of the beaker + copper shot when the battleship floats. But, when sunk, only the volume of the glass + copper is displaced.
Tutorial:
Set-up Instructions for FL: HS - 16