HOW DO SHIPS FLOAT? Science Experiments & The Titanic

How do Ships Float? 

"Buoyancy Experiment" Archimedes' Principle. 

“Thomas Andrews: A partir de este momento, hagamos lo que hagamos, el Titanic se irá a pique.
 J. Bruce Ismay: Pero este buque no puede hundirse.
Thomas Andrews: Está hecho de hierro, señor. Le aseguro que sí puede. Y lo hará. ¡Es una certeza matemática!”
Titanic, James Cameron, 1997

“Thomas Andrews: From this moment, no matter what we do, Titanic will founder.
J. Bruce Ismay: But this ship can't sink!
“Thomas Andrews: She's made of iron, sir! I assure you, she can... and she will. It is a mathematical certainty"
Titanic, James Cameron, 1997

*Behind this statement lies the principle that explains why Titanic was able to float and why she could not remain afloat after striking the iceberg. 

The story of the Titanic is perfect for teaching Archimedes' principle: 

A body wholly or partially submerged in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. Mr. Andrews was certain of Titanic's demise because he knew Archimedes' principle. 
With more than four compartments flooded, it was physically impossible for Titanic to stay afloat.

A ship will float as long as it weighs less than the water it pushes out of way, or displaces. Ships can use materials in their hulls that are heavier than water, but there must be air within the ship. Since the air doesn't weigh as much as the water, this lowers the weight of the ship compared to the same volume of water



Source: * http://cyfair3.schoolwires.net/195520511193557580/lib/195520511193557580/_files/Archimedes_Principle.pptx  (with a PPT about The Titanic & Archimedes’ Principle)

[Click on this word document with "Lots of Interesting Links" to explore and learn more about Archimedes' Principle and the Titanic- links in English, Spanish and Catalan] 

Watch the Experiment carried out by pupils of C.M.

Click on these pdf links to find out more about the Buoyancy Experiment.

Learn about  Archimedes. Who was Archimedes?

Click on this image to learn about Archimedes.

Click on this image to read The "Eureka" Story illustrated by Kevin Kallaugher. Do you remember the story about a man who shouted "Eureka!" after getting out of the bath naked?

  Click on this link to play Science Games: Archimedes:Games & Activities for Kids