Question

part iv - short response

1. why does a giant steel ship float, even though steel is denser than water?

Explanation:

The ship's shape allows it to displace a large volume of water. According to Archimedes' principle, the buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced water. If the buoyant force is equal to the ship's weight, it floats. Even though steel is dense, the overall density (ship's weight / displaced water volume) is less than water's density.

Answer:

A giant steel ship floats because its shape enables it to displace a large volume of water. The buoyant force (weight of displaced water) equals the ship's weight. The overall density (ship's weight / displaced water volume) is less than water's density.