Maximizing Buoyancy: A Study of Aluminum Foil Boats

In summary, the conversation discussed a lab practicum where the task was to build an aluminum foil boat and determine the maximum amount of mass it can hold without sinking. The participants discussed different methods for testing the boat's buoyancy, including measuring the volume of the boat and using Archimedes's principle. One participant mentioned using calculations to determine the volume of the boat and how much water it would displace, while another suggested subtracting this amount from the total volume of the boat to find the limit at which it would sink. The conversation concluded with the problem being solved with the help of all the information and methods discussed.
  • #1
Tyler Kidd
5
0
[SOLVED] Aluminum Boats and Buoyancy.

All right, here we go.
I'm stuck doing a "Lab Practicum" which has this specific task:
Build a boat out of aluminum foil alone. Find the maximum about of mass it can hold without tearing, capsizing, or just plain submersing into a bucket of water.
The piece of foil is 30cm by 30cm.

That last bit of information is probably unnecessary because I already designed the boat. It's the way that I find that mystery mass that's got me hung up.

Thanks so much for the help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What's the volume of the boat? That should tell you how much water it can displace when it's just about to sink. Archimedes's principle will help you figure out the mass that will almost sink it. (Assuming you can load it up without destroying it.)
 
  • #3
Put the boat into water, and slowly fill the boat with measured amounts water to see how much water it takes to sink the boat. This method should allow you to test the boat without damaging the boat. Then calculate the mass of the amount of water it took to sink the boat and subtract a small amount. Then repeat the experiment with this smaller amount of water to confirm it remains floating. What is meant by "almost"? Will it get to the point that you use a calibrated eye dropper to firgure out to the nearest drop or so of water it takes to sink the boat?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
I have to do this all on calculations alone before I actually conduct the experiment. I only get one shot; apparently this is the "fun" of this kind of lab.
 
  • #5
Tyler Kidd said:
I have to do this all on calculations alone before I actually conduct the experiment.
That's what I assumed. If you could just measure it, Jeff's method is the way to go!

Can you figure out the volume of the boat?
 
  • #6
Unfortunately, I never wrote down the volume of the boat and it's at a different location. The boat's pretty much a rectangular box, so the volume isn't hard to find.
 
  • #7
When I try to solve for the mass, I end up with a negative number. Perhaps I'm not using this principle correctly...
 
  • #8
You still need to know the weight and volume of your boat. Given this information, you should be able to caculate based on Archimedes's principle how much water will be diplaced by an empty boat. You can probably assume that air has zero mass in this case as the actual mass of the air versus the mass the boat can carry is extremely small.

Once you know how much water is displaced by the empty boat via calculations, then subtract that amount of water from the amount of water equivalent to the volume of the boat. This will be the limit at which the boat sinks. Take away a small amount from this to get a close enough value for how much the boat can take without sinking.
 
  • #9
Tyler Kidd said:
When I try to solve for the mass, I end up with a negative number. Perhaps I'm not using this principle correctly...
Show us exactly what you did to solve for the mass.
 
  • #10
Problem solved as of this morning. Thanks for the assistance; it actually did help after I got all the information in front of me.
 

Related to Maximizing Buoyancy: A Study of Aluminum Foil Boats

1. What makes aluminum a good material for building boats?

Aluminum is a lightweight yet strong material, making it ideal for constructing boats. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, which is crucial for boats that will be exposed to water. Additionally, aluminum is easy to work with and can be easily welded, making it a popular choice for boat builders.

2. How does the buoyancy of an aluminum boat compare to other types of boats?

Aluminum boats have excellent buoyancy due to the material's low density. This means that they can float easily and support a significant amount of weight without sinking. In fact, aluminum boats are known for having a higher buoyancy compared to other types of boats, such as fiberglass or wooden boats.

3. Can aluminum boats be used in saltwater environments?

Yes, aluminum boats are highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments. However, it is important to properly maintain and protect the aluminum hull to prevent any corrosion or damage from saltwater exposure.

4. Are there any disadvantages to using aluminum for boat construction?

One potential disadvantage of using aluminum for boat construction is its higher initial cost compared to other materials. Additionally, aluminum can be more difficult to repair if it gets damaged, especially compared to materials like fiberglass. However, the durability and longevity of aluminum boats often outweigh these potential drawbacks.

5. How can the buoyancy of an aluminum boat be adjusted?

The buoyancy of an aluminum boat can be adjusted by altering the design and weight distribution of the boat. This can be done by changing the shape and size of the hull, adding or removing ballast, or adjusting the placement of the boat's load. It is important to consult with a professional boat builder to ensure that any modifications are done safely and effectively.

Similar threads

Designing a Spaghetti Bridge to Support 2kg of Sand: Tips and Restrictions
    • General Engineering
Replies
2
Views
3K
Basic(?) Electroscope/Electrometer Question
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
6
Views
3K
Note the comment on SR herein:
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top