If so, could they buoy a person, i.e. be used as a life preserver?
(note: this is purely for fiction)
2007-04-23 13:35:35 · 7 answers · asked by balvenice 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
The buoyancy of any object is equal to the weight of the water the object displaces. If the object weights less then 62.4 pounds per cubic (fresh water) the object will float. If not it in turn will sink. If the contents were discharged the tank most likely would only be slightly buoyant and not make a good life preserver. So to paraphrase the Myth busters it could be pausable, but I would prefer a Coast Guard Approved Vest.
2007-04-23 13:59:49 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen A 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the type. A heavy CO2 would not but a lighter dry chem might. Two other types which would have a real good chance of floating are the older style (Soda-Acid) water/foam extinguishers. These were un pressurized units that were activated by inverting them. They were filled with baking soda and had a small container of acid in them which would empty when inverted.
I suspect that once this older style was discharged that it would float quite readily.
How ever any fully charged extinguisher (water, foam, dry chem) will probably sink like a stone when fully charged due to the extra weight of the media inside.
2007-04-23 21:35:53 · answer #2 · answered by MarkG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. To contain the pressure inside them they are made of heavy walled metal. They sink like rocks. Most boats are required to have life preservers so your fictional character could grab one of those.
2007-04-23 23:03:05 · answer #3 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the shape. The traditional cylindrical shape would not float and could definitely not be used as a floatation device.
2007-04-23 21:06:22 · answer #4 · answered by michelle 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe in a pond of mercury. In water, no.
2007-04-23 21:03:16 · answer #5 · answered by steve.c_50 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
2007-04-23 20:38:22 · answer #6 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, they don't, the pressure is very big
2007-04-23 20:54:03 · answer #7 · answered by WELDER® 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋