Lab Report # 4.1: The Submarine
A submarine must use the concept of buoyancy in order to float or sink in water. It contains special tanks called ballast tanks that can contain either water or air. With air filled tanks, the submarine floats (a); but if the ballast tanks are filled with water, the submarine sinks (b).
The submarine carries cylinders of compressed air. When it is made to rise to the surface, compressed air is used to force the water out of the ballast tanks (c).
The submarine carries cylinders of compressed air. When it is made to rise to the surface, compressed air is used to force the water out of the ballast tanks (c).
Compare the weight of the submarine to the buoyant force while:
1. The ballast tanks are empty
2. The ballast tanks are filled with water
3. Compressed air pushes the water out of the tank
Discussion
1. The submarine's weight while the ballast tanks are empty is equal to the buoyant force exerted by the water on it
2. The submarine's weight while the ballast tanks are filled with water is greater than the buoyant force exerted by the water on it
3. The submarine's weight while compressed air pushes the water out of the tank is less than the buoyant force exerted by the water on it
1. The ballast tanks are empty
2. The ballast tanks are filled with water
3. Compressed air pushes the water out of the tank
Discussion
1. The submarine's weight while the ballast tanks are empty is equal to the buoyant force exerted by the water on it
2. The submarine's weight while the ballast tanks are filled with water is greater than the buoyant force exerted by the water on it
3. The submarine's weight while compressed air pushes the water out of the tank is less than the buoyant force exerted by the water on it