Buoyancy: Styrofoam Block

A large styrofoam block, which is practically weightless and therefore floats almost entirely on top of a surface of water, is submerged by forcing it down into a tank of water. It is observed that the force required to immerse the block is equal to the buoyant force acting on the block. This force, which is shown to increase with depth, is demonstrated by being felt by the demonstrator, and also by placing known weights on top of the block. In the latter case, the force is measured and compared to that estimated using Archimedes' principle.
Equipment
- Large water tank
- Large Styrofoam block
- Various weights
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This video is part of the project "Videos of Physics Demonstrations", which is created by Dr. Galli and Dr. Amiri of Physics Department, Weber State University. To access the full library of the videos, please visit this link: www.weber.edu/...
Links to University and Department:
Weber State University Homepage: www.weber.edu/
WSU Physics Department: www.weber.edu/...

[@svelobikes9049]

Nice? But what if we make a boat-shaped object with 700 cubic inches of foam, will it sink at 28 pounds?

[@SherrickDuncan]

Can I use Expanded Polystyrene Foam to make a Mobile Floating Private Island if I put pond liner tarp on top of the Expanded Polystyrene Foam then put compost and soil and grass and bushes and trees etc on top and then put houses on top of this synthetic but natural looking mobile floating island?

[@Givemeafinname]

yes

[@Crazystunts4190]

When it is fully submerged and you said it requires a force of 28 to keep it down under water no matter how far, does the rotation of the styrofoam matter? Like what if you had the styrofoam rotated in the other direction, since the bottom of the surface is less does that mean that is requires less force?
Also he said the cubic inches of volume affects the force required to keep it down, what is it with a different material other than foam and how would you calculate? Thanks

[@jamesc.7988]

I found this video while searching for ways to make EPS foam sink in my aquarium. I have carved out three 24" W x 21" T x 1.5" D sections. Can you please tell me how much weight would be required for each section to sink to the bottom of the tank?

[@revolix3]

Me too, I've made a large cave with styrofoam with rocks too inside but its floating

[@angeladelacruz6629]

👍

[@donotcomment3569]

cool