Fluid mechanics > Statics of fluids > Density and Buoyancy

CodeDemo NameDescription
2B40.11 Weight in WaterShowcase the the buoyant force by weighing an object with a spring scale, then weighing it again when it is submerged in water. Use the change in weight and volume to determine the material of the object.
2B40.11 Why Ships FloatIn this demonstration two steel balls of equal mass but different volumes are used to explain why massive ships float.
2B40.15 Fingering out BuoyancyA beaker of water and a weight are placed on opposite ends of a balance beam scale. The beam is even until you dip your finger into the water.
2B40.20 Archimedes PrincipleA mass and bucket of the same volume hang from a spring scale. Lower the mass into water, catch the overflow, and pour the overflow into the bucket.
2B40.29 Rock in Boat - Buoyancy puzzle s
2B40.30 Cartesian DiverA small vial Cartesian diver submerged by squeezing the bottle.
2B40.57 Sinking and Floating CansCans of regular Coke or Pepsi sink, diet Coke and diet Pepsi will float in a container of water. Add salt to the water and the regular Coke or Pepsi will rise.
2B40.59 Sinking and Floating ObjectsThree objects are placed in a tank of water: a regular bowling ball, a hollow bowling ball, and a pumice stone
2B40.61 Why Objects Sink and FloatTwo identically sized bowling balls are placed in a tank of water. One ball sinks and one ball floats, but how could that be?
2B40.85 Different Sized Density Balls
Density with Bean Bowl Demo
Density with Bean Bowl Demo
Different Sized Density BallsBury a 40 mm Ping Pong ball in a bowl of Pinto beans and then place a 40 mm steel ball on top. Shake the bowl and the Ping Pong ball will rise to the top while the steel ball will sink to the bottom.
Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with Rutgers University and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. Rutgers University is not responsible for any demonstrations performed by those using their own or others equipment, or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here, entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition, and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.


Social Media


FB f Logo blue 29

Contact Us


firstlight2 footer Physics & Astronomy
Rutgers, The State University
   of New Jersey
136 Frelinghuysen Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8019
(848) 445-8781
npamula@physics.rutgers.edu


Copyright 2024, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. All rights reserved.
Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers web sites to: accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form .