WHY DO BOATS FLOAT?


To speak about the reason why boats float, we must explain what density is. Density is a physical property that all matter possesses, in which its magnitude is related to the amount of mass contained in a given volume. In other words, density refers to the degree to which individual particles of matter are combined or separated.

From the desktop of

Carlos Araiza

To view a floating piece of wood is normal for all of us, but a floating piece of steel could sound a little illogical.

Well, what about a transatlantic vessel with its entire structure made out of steel and other materials that are denser than water?

Well, here is where the air element comes in, which has a very important role in the manufacture of a boat to keep it afloat.

Large ships, regardless of the materials they are manufactured with, contain vast spaces filled with air, which is a substance that is less dense than water, thus allowing this great structure to remain afloat. In other words, because of these large air spaces, the density of vessels is found to be lower than that of water, allowing boats to move smoothly on the water’s surface. 


In case a hole is made in the hull, water enters expelling the air, and the density of the ship becomes higher than the water’s density, therefore the boat will sink.