Can Anything Float in a Superfluid?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether or not anything would float in a superfluid due to its frictionless behavior. It is mentioned that ships float in normal fluids because they displace an equal volume of water with less mass, but it is uncertain if this would work in a superfluid. Additionally, it is noted that objects in a liquid experience a punch due to surface tension and slow down due to friction, but this may not apply in a superfluid. There is also discussion about whether or not a superfluid would float in a normal fluid and if the experiment with superfluid dripping through small holes involved a vacuum. The conversation concludes with the idea that friction does not play a role in buoyant forces and that a disk pendulum in super
  • #1
Edi
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Would a ship float in a superfluid? Would anything float in a superfluid?
I think, that the frictionless behavior of the superfluid would prevent anything from floating, because it just can't "grab" to anything, would be like vacuum, no? Yes, ships float because they displace volume of water with equal volume, but with less mass (contained air), but will that work in a superfluid?

When something falls in a liquid, it feels a punch, because of surface tension, witch wouldn't be without viscosity, right? When something is moving in a liquid, it will slow down without a powersource, because of friction, but not in a superfluid, yes? (it would actually sink to the bottom, or would it?...)

Would a superfluid float in a normal fluid?
That experiment where superfluid dripped out through super-small holes, was there vacuum around that container?
 
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  • #2
is this a trick question?
 
  • #3
Things float in superfluids. Think about energy and forces. Viscosity doesn't enter into calculations of buoyant forces.
 
  • #4
Disk pendulum in superfluid helium expierences friction.

By the way friction has nothing with the ability to float (reactive forces for example).
 

1. What is a superfluid?

A superfluid is a state of matter that exhibits the properties of zero viscosity and infinite thermal conductivity. This means that it can flow without any resistance and can conduct heat extremely efficiently.

2. Can any object float in a superfluid?

No, not all objects can float in a superfluid. Only objects that have a density less than the superfluid can float in it. This is because the superfluid exerts an upward force on the object, known as buoyancy, that is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

3. Can liquids float in a superfluid?

Yes, liquids with a lower density than the superfluid can float in it. This is due to the same principle of buoyancy, where the superfluid exerts an upward force on the liquid, allowing it to float.

4. What happens to objects that are denser than the superfluid?

Objects that are denser than the superfluid will sink to the bottom. This is because the upward buoyant force exerted by the superfluid is not enough to counteract the weight of the object.

5. How does the behavior of objects in a superfluid differ from that in a regular fluid?

In a regular fluid, the motion of the fluid particles causes resistance, known as viscosity, which opposes the motion of objects through the fluid. In a superfluid, there is no viscosity, so objects can move through it without any resistance. Additionally, the behavior of objects in a superfluid is affected by the quantum properties of the fluid, leading to unique phenomena such as superfluidity and quantized vortices.

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