PURPOSE: To demonstrate a puzzling result of static fluid equilibrium.
DESCRIPTION: A light boat with a heavey 'cannonball' floats in an aquarium tank. The water level of the tank is marked on the side of the aquarium. The cannonball is removed from the boat and placed onto the bottom of the aquarium tank. The boat floats, empty, and the cannonball rests on the bottom.
Question:Does the water level of the tank change?
The new (higher) water level is noted on the side of the aquarium.
The 'boat' is a peanut can and a mass is used for the 'cannonball'. Take care not
to tip the can. Carefully place the weight at the center of the can.
EQUIPMENT: The can is located in the modern physics cabinet. The weight is
the 1826 gram weight. the aquarium tank is located in the optics cabinet.
SETUP NOTES: It takes 15 minutes to fill the large aquarium tank with water. Move it slowly or it will spill a lot of water onto the floor.