Why can an aluminum boat float?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of why an aluminum boat can float despite aluminum having a greater density than water. Participants explore concepts related to buoyancy, density, and the composition of the boat.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the density of aluminum is greater than that of water, questioning how an aluminum boat can float.
  • One participant suggests that the aluminum boat is made mostly of air by volume, implying that this contributes to its ability to float.
  • Another participant mentions the overall density of the aluminum boat being less than that of water, indicating that the composition and internal air contribute to buoyancy.
  • There is a reference to concrete canoes as a demonstration of buoyancy, suggesting that even materials denser than water can float under certain conditions.
  • Participants express that the overall density, center of gravity, and composition of the boat are significant factors in its buoyancy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying viewpoints on the factors contributing to the floating of an aluminum boat, with no consensus reached on a single explanation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise mechanisms at play.

Contextual Notes

The discussion touches on concepts of density, buoyancy, and the role of air within the structure of the boat, but does not resolve the underlying principles or assumptions involved.

jarod
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We know that the density of Al is greater than the density of water, yet why can an aluminum boat can float?
 
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jarod said:
We know that the density of Al is greater than the density of water, yet why can an aluminum boat can float?

If an Al boat puzzles you an Aircraft carrier must be simply amazing.
 
An aluminum boat floats, jarod, because it is made mostly of air! (by volume)
 
Integral said:
If an Al boat puzzles you an Aircraft carrier must be simply amazing.

when i was in school, i remember these civil engineering departments like to construct, as a demonstration, a concrete "canoe" and paddle that in a lake or river. not the most efficient watercraft, but it floats.
 
russ_watters said:
An aluminum boat floats, jarod, because it is made mostly of air! (by volume)

Is it what you meant was the overall density of the aluminum boat is less than the density of water?
 
yeah I've heard about making a concrete slab float, very difficult to do, we really had headaches when this problem was given to us...
 
yes actually the overall density of an object is related to center of gravity and composition of the boat, since the boat is not the Al. part only but also the air inside the total volume, this what makes it lighter than water
 

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