Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: juanita.evans on 05/11/2010 21:30:02
-
juanita.evans asked the Naked Scientists:
How does the body sink and float? Â How is it that some bodies can't float and only sink and some can float with no problem?
Juanita Evans
What do you think?
-
You will float if you are lighter than an equal volume of water. Usually folks with more fat float better. There are some people on the border such that they float when the hold their breath, but sink when they let it out.
-
To float, you have to get your head almost fully immersed so that not much more than your nose is still out of the water. Some people find it very difficult to do this and they try to elevate their head above the water. This causes the rest of their body to sink because their head is not displacing enough water to compensate for its mass.
-
Geezer:
You describe how I floated in my lost youth. Currently I can float upright with the top of my head above water to below my nose, and higher if I hold a deep breath. Perhaps my shrinking brain is making me into an airhead.
Steve
-
Steve - Maybe it's just the water. I learned to float in the Mediterranean which is, I think, rather salty. I also sink in fresh water if I deflate my lungs.
G
-
Geezer:
Skinny people are crunchy like carrots, and they sink.
Steve
-
Skinny people are crunchy like carrots, and they sink.
Scientifically proven here ... [:)]
[BTW the TNS spellchecker has never heard of the word "proven" [:0] ]
-
Geezer:
Skinny people are crunchy like carrots, and they sink.
Steve
So, basically, you're saying I'm fat then? I didn't come here to be insulted. I'll have you know can go upstairs and get insulted by Mrs G any time I like.
-
So, basically, you're saying I'm fat then?
Not necessarily : muscle is denser than fat.
-
[BTW the TNS spellchecker has never heard of the word "proven" [:0] ]
I noticed that before. I think it's because, according to Scottish law, you can be found guilty, not guilty, or "not proven". Whereas, South of the border, there is no such thing as not proven.
I'll see if I can fix it.
-
So, basically, you're saying I'm fat then?
Not necessarily : muscle is denser than fat.
OK - so you're saying I'm not muscular AND fat.
-
I hear tell that the last time you jumped in a swimming pool Geezer, the water got out! (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Flol%2F10.gif&hash=6ec91e8a6973558a9092ab9ab4cf5ba4)
Opps, just remembered that old saying, 'People in glass houses......'
-
Geezer:
I am saying, relative to me, you are lean and/or muscular because you don't float so well. That is, skinny and crunchy like carrots.
Steve
-
Geezer:
I am saying, relative to me, you are lean and/or muscular because you don't float so well. That is, skinny and crunchy like carrots.
Steve
I do get a lot of compliments about the Geezer legs.
I think though that some people of equal fatnitude do find it harder to float than others. BTW, I'll bet you float great in the Dead Sea.
-
Much better than floating dead in the great sea.