Why did the titanic float we it weighed 62,000 lbs.?
The Titanic, despite its massive weight of approximately 62,000 lbs (pounds) or 28,000 tons, was able to float because of its construction and the principles of buoyancy. It was built with multiple watertight compartments that helped distribute the weight evenly and prevented the rapid flooding of the ship in case of damage. Additionally, the ship was made primarily of steel, which is denser than water but still buoyant.
To understand why the Titanic floated, we need to know about two important concepts: buoyancy and density. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid (in this case, water) on an object submerged in it. Density, on the other hand, is the mass of an object divided by its volume.
The Titanic floated due to the principle of buoyancy. When an object is placed in a fluid, it displaces some of the fluid's volume. This displacement of water leads to an upward force, known as buoyant force, which counteracts the weight of the object. If the buoyant force is greater than or equal to the weight of the object, it will float.
The density of an object also plays a role in determining whether it floats or sinks. Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. If the object is denser than the fluid it is placed in, it will sink. But if it is less dense, it will float.
In the case of the Titanic, although it weighed an enormous amount, its average density was lower than that of water. The ship's construction materials, such as steel and other lightweight materials, contributed to its lower density. This low density allowed it to displace an amount of water greater than its weight, resulting in a buoyant force large enough to keep it afloat.
Overall, the Titanic was able to float due to the combination of its watertight compartments, the principle of buoyancy, and its lower density compared to water.