Big boats can float even though they are heavier because they have a higher amount of water displacement.

Why large boats and ships float on water. Ships float because they displace enough water for the buoyancy force to be greater than the force of gravity acting on the ship. A ship floats because the submersed part of it is lighter than the displaced water and the total weight of the ship equals the total weight of the water it displaces. If you see a ship launching video then you might have noticed water rushing to the shore when the ship enters the water.

While a ship loaded with cargo sail lower in the water. Larger ships and boats usually have low centers of gravity because it keeps them stable on the water. Because of a beautiful balance of forces.

A ship might be massive but so is the amount of water it displaces. A low center of gravity is crucial when it comes to reducing a boats chances of tipping over as well as maintaining its uprightness. Buoyancy and flotation explained If playback doesnt begin shortly try restarting your device.

If the ship loses enough of its capacity to hold trapped air it sinks. If its more dense than water it will usually sink. As a boat sinks further into the water it displaces more water.

Why do big ships float. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. A small solid object might not float however.

All boats can float but floating is more complex and confusing than it sounds and its best discussed through a scientific concept called buoyancy which is the force that causes floating. If it is less dense than water it will float. The displaced water attempts to return to its original position now occupied by the ship which pushes the ship up.