A heavier person vs. a lighter person diving into a pool

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In summary, the question is asking if the heavier person will sink deeper into the water compared to the lighter person due to a higher amount of force being exerted onto the water's surface. This is because the heavier person has a larger cross-section and therefore more resistance as they penetrate the water. The dynamic force while sinking is complicated and depends on many factors, but in general, the heavier person will sink deeper initially due to their higher weight and inertia. However, the lighter person may eventually catch up in depth due to their lower density and potentially more streamlined shape. The concept of cross-section vs volume ratio is also relevant in understanding why heavier people may sink deeper.
  • #1
Haizakokaru
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Does the higher amount of force exerted onto the water's surface by the heavier person allow him to plunge deeper initially, and then they both sink afterward at the same speed due to same density? In other words, does the heavier person travel a greater distance than the lighter person in a first few seconds of sinking from the water's surface? Does the lighter person not plunge into the water as far as the other?
 
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  • #2
Haizakokaru said:
Summary:: buoyancy and force question

Does the higher amount of force exerted onto the water's surface by the heavier person allow him to plunge deeper initially, and then they both sink afterward at the same speed due to same density? In other words, does the heavier person travel a greater distance than the lighter person in a first few seconds of sinking from the water's surface? Does the lighter person not plunge into the water as far as the other?
Buoyancy just gives you the static upwards force. The dynamic force while penetrating the surface and moving through the water is complicated, and depends on many factors. But it more likely scales with the cross-section, rather than volume (as the weight and inertia do). So assuming the same density (less than water) and uniform scaling the bigger body will sink deeper.
 
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Thanks! A friend was saying how much he sinks shouldn't matter due to density and I disagreed, but kept quiet because I wasn't entirely sure about how buoyancy and other forces factored into it. I can finally be at peace now.
 
  • #4
Haizakokaru said:
Thanks! A friend was saying how much he sinks shouldn't matter due to density and I disagreed, but kept quiet because I wasn't entirely sure about how buoyancy and other forces factored into it. I can finally be at peace now.
You can read a bit about it here.

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/does-density-affect-sinking-speed.809334/

It would be odd if all objects sank at the same rate, surely. Something very dense will have a large force of gravity on it compared to the small amount of water it displaces. It's bound to sink faster than something that almost floats.
 
  • #5
PeroK said:
Something very dense will have a large force of gravity on it compared to the small amount of water it displaces. It's bound to sink faster than something that almost floats.
Of course, size and shape also play a role. A thin sheet of osmium will likely flutter downward in the water more slowly than a sphere made of ebony wood, despite the metal's dramatically higher density.

Huge ships sink at surprisingly high speeds despite near neutral buoyancy due to their large volume to cross-section ratio.
 
  • #6
Gonna go slightly on a tangent here, the consequences of cross section vs volume ratio is one of my favorite of the very simple but slightly counter intuitive facts about physics that is relevant for many things. For instance, giants. People usually assumed that you could just scale up a person and maintain more or less the same proportions. But let's say you scale up someone's height by 10 while maintaining the same proportions. Then the cross section of their legs will be scaled up by 100, and their volume (and therefore their mass) by 1000. So the end result will be a person whose mass to leg (or spine) cross section ratio will be 10 times larger than normal, which should be pretty unpleasant to say the least.

So yeah I think that most of the resistance someone meets when they splash is dependent on the cross section, so that's the reason why heavier people usually manage to make it deeper, all other things equal. Although I am sure the effects are generally much more complicated than that in practice.

You can read some more about it here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_equation
 
  • #7
A heavier person will have acquired more kinetic energy before hitting the water. But its resistance once hitting the water is larger. How this pans out for how deep either will sink depends on a lot of things.
 

1. How does a person's weight affect their diving performance?

The weight of a person can greatly impact their diving performance. A heavier person will have more mass and momentum, which can make it more difficult for them to control their movements and maintain proper form while diving. On the other hand, a lighter person may have an easier time executing dives with more precision and grace.

2. Does a person's weight affect their speed when diving into a pool?

Yes, a person's weight can affect their speed when diving into a pool. A heavier person will have more force and momentum, which can result in a faster entry into the water. However, this can also make it more challenging for them to control their movements and maintain proper form.

3. Is there a weight limit for diving into a pool?

There is no specific weight limit for diving into a pool, as it ultimately depends on the individual's physical abilities and training. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended that individuals consult with a trained professional to determine if they are physically capable of diving into a pool.

4. Can a heavier person dive deeper into a pool than a lighter person?

Generally, a heavier person may be able to dive deeper into a pool due to their increased momentum and force. However, this also depends on the individual's diving technique and experience. A lighter person with proper technique and training may also be able to reach similar depths.

5. How does a person's weight affect their buoyancy while diving into a pool?

A person's weight can affect their buoyancy while diving into a pool. A heavier person will have more mass, making it more difficult for them to stay afloat. This can be counteracted by proper technique and training, as well as using equipment such as weight belts to help maintain buoyancy.

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