The problem involves determining the volume of water that a ship with a mass of 2.00x10^5 kg must displace in order to float. The subject area pertains to buoyancy and fluid mechanics, specifically the relationship between mass, volume, and density.
The discussion includes attempts to clarify the relationship between buoyancy and displacement. Some participants provide guidance on using the buoyant force equation, while others confirm calculations related to the volume of displaced water. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the assumptions about displacement.
Participants note the importance of unit consistency, specifically the use of density in kg/m^3, which is relevant to the calculations being discussed.
so is itNessdude14 said:Think of a free body diagram of a ship floating on water. There's a force from the weight of the ship, and since the ship isn't sinking or rising, the force of buoyancy from the water must equal that of the weight of the ship.
The equation for buoyant force is: Fb=pfVfg
In your case, pf is the density of water, and Vf is the volume of water displaced by the ship (your unknown variable.)
Find the volume of displaced water which makes this buoyant force equal to the weight of the ship, and you're done. Hope this helps.
chaotiiic said:so is it
g*(2.00x10^5) = (1.00x10^3)*V*g
g cancels
V = 200,000/1000 = 200m^3
ok thanksNessdude14 said:Looks good. One thing you need to be sure of is your units on the water density. The density you used was in kg/m^3 which happens to be just what you needed for your problem to come to an answer of m^3. Always work through the units along with the numbers.