Center of Gravity, Displacement, and Nautical Terms

Boat Competition

Displacement Demonstration

Demonstration: Pour oil in a clear container holding water to show displacement

Materials needed: 1. Transparent, round container2. Water3. Writing tool4. 0il/molasses5. Ruler6. Scale for weighing

Archimedes’ Principle Part I

• If the object is less dense than water (if it floats on water), then it displaces a weight of water equal to the weight of the object

Archimedes’ Principle Part II

If the object sinks in water, it simply displaces a volume of water equal to the volume of the object.

Steerboard -> Starboard -> Right handed sailors

Port -> Sailors mooring ships -> left side

Application of knowledge

• Proportionally balance your weights considering the center of gravity

• Ensure that your hull is in trim and the weight evenly distributed

• Weigh your ship to determine how much water will be displaced