Does Shape Affect Buoyancy?

Why does a ship float?

The ship displaces water when it is in the
water.
Displacement: the water the ship pushes out of
the way to make room for the ship

The buoyancy force will push upward on the

ship to keep it afloat.

The Shape Matters!

The ship is shaped in a way that air takes up
most of the space.
The average density of a ship (combination of
steel and air) is very light compared to the
average density of water.

What shape works?

Lets Make One!

Break into your lab
groups.
Make a boat that
will float out of
aluminum foil.
Record your
findings on your
lab-recording
sheet!