Physics.
2006-09-29 01:08:35 · 9 answers · asked by UNIVERSAL 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
A bowl is made from a thin layer of steel, and it is normally full of air. The overall density of the bowl and air in it is less than water's 62.4 pounds-per-cubic foot, so the bowl floats. A steel ball has the weight concentrated and without any air in it, and steel is denser than water, so the ball sinks. One could make a bowl too thick to float I suppose. He could make a ball of thin steel and fill it with hydrogen to make one float. As you see, average density is the determining factor here.
2006-09-29 02:53:28 · answer #1 · answered by miyuki & kyojin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a matter of displacement. You may have heard when the weight fo ships is described that it is in terms of displacement--that is, the amount of water they displace.
The bowl, because it is essentially separating a pocket of air from the body of water in which it rests would have to displace more weight in water than the bowl itself weighs, and so it floats. The solid steel ball on the other hand is compact, has no additional volume of air inside it that must also be included in the calculation of the amount of water that must be displaced, and the steel itself being heavier than water, it naturally sinks. Make the same size ball out of something lighter than water, say styrofoam, and it will float.
2006-09-29 08:17:08 · answer #2 · answered by anonymourati 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the mass of the empty steel bowl is spread out, covering a larger surface. the mass of the ball is concentrated & therefore sinks.
2006-09-29 08:16:09 · answer #3 · answered by pumpkin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Archimedean Displacement. The mass of the volume of water displaced by the effective volume of the bowl (Don't tip the bowl under) is greater than is mass of the bowl. Archimedes is reported to have figured this out sitting in his bath
2006-09-29 11:08:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the bowl displaces water and the air inside counters it.... the ball has no area to counter the displacement... so it simks immediately... think of the bowl as a ship..the U shape helps it stay afloat
2006-09-29 08:11:57 · answer #5 · answered by Jay P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Distribution of mass
2006-09-29 08:28:05 · answer #6 · answered by Camoguntruck_lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it might have something to do with the distribution of the weight
2006-09-29 08:12:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the ball is solid and bowl is hallow
2006-09-29 08:16:37 · answer #8 · answered by barbara b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mass distribution... i cant explain why, bc its too early and im tired lol sorry
2006-09-29 08:11:37 · answer #9 · answered by CrystalRose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋