Question

why do boats float in water ?

Answer 1

An object will float if the gravitational (downward) force is less than the buoyancy (upward) force. So, in other words, an object will float if it weighs less than the amount of water it displaces. This explains why a rock will sink while a huge boat will float. The rock is heavy, but it displaces only a little water.

Answer 2

Boats float on water surface because of greater buoyancy.

Explanation:

• Two primary forces act on a body placed in water.
• One is gravitational force determined by weight of object.
• Second force is the buoyancy force which yields upwards.
• Floating is a result when gravitational force is less than buoyancy force.
• If buoyancy force gets less than gravitational force, then the body will come down and sink to the bottom.
• Determination of buoyancy force is done by the amount of water which is displaced by the object when it is placed in it.

So, the amount of water displaced by the boat is greater than its weight and that is why it floats on the surface of water.