Ships are designed in a way that allows them to float on water rather than sink. This is due to the principles of buoyancy and the Archimedes' principle.
When a ship is placed in water, it displaces a volume of water equal to its own weight. According to Archimedes' principle, an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. In simpler terms, the buoyant force exerted on the ship counteracts the force of gravity pulling it down.
The shape and design of a ship also play a crucial role in its ability to float. Ships are typically built with a hull that has a shape that allows for displacement of water, thereby maximizing the buoyant force. The hull is usually hollow and contains air-filled compartments that contribute to the ship's buoyancy.
Additionally, ships are constructed with materials that are less dense than water. The overall density of the ship is lower than that of water, which ensures that the buoyant force is greater than the force of gravity acting on the ship, enabling it to float.
However, it's important to note that ships have limitations to their buoyancy. If a ship takes on excessive weight or becomes damaged in a way that compromises its watertight compartments, it may lose buoyancy and have the potential to sink.