Solving a Buoyancy Problem: Determining the Weight of a Truck on a Ferry Boat

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the weight of a truck that causes a ferry boat to sink when it is loaded. The context is buoyancy and the principles of fluid mechanics, specifically relating to the displacement of water.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem. Some participants discuss the relationship between the weight of the displaced water and the weight of the truck, while others consider using the density formula to find mass.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different aspects of the problem, with some guidance offered regarding the relationship between buoyancy and weight. There is an indication of a potential approach involving the density of water and volume of displaced water, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a lack of prior attempts to solve the problem, indicating that they are starting from a point of confusion. There may be constraints related to the homework assignment that limit the information available for solving the problem.

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Homework Statement


A ferry boat is 4.0 m wide and 6.0 m long. When a truck pulls onto it, the boat sinks 4.00 cm in the water. What is the weight of the truck?


Homework Equations


\rho=m/v
and others


The Attempt at a Solution


none. My teacher gave my class chapter to read and complete on our own. I have no idea where to begin to start solving this problem.
 
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Water must be displaced to get the buoyancy to hold up the truck. The weight of the water displaced will be same as the weight of the truck.
 
do i use the P=m/v equation and solve for m?
i would use the density of water for P, and the volume of the water displaced for v, right? I think i understand.
would the answer be 960 kg?
 
That's it.
 

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