Statics of Fluids: Floating Bowling Ball

PIRA Class: 2B40.13

Purpose:
To demonstrate that density not weight determines whether an object floats.

Description:
The full bowling ball (either black or gold) sinks. The half bowling ball weighs noticeably less and floats.

Regulation bowling balls must have a circumference between 26.7 inches and 27 inches regardless of weight. Have students calculate the heaviest bowling ball that will still float in water (12 lbs).

Equipment:
Bowling ball, half bowling ball, buckets

Web Simulation:

Location:
Shelf 162, Shelf 115 (bucket)