## Will a Wheel and Tire Sink in Water?
### Introduction
The answer to the question of whether a wheel and tire will sink in water depends on several factors, including the density of the wheel and tire, the density of the water, and the size and shape of the wheel and tire. In this article, we will explore these factors in detail and determine the conditions under which a wheel and tire will sink in water.
### Density and Buoyancy
Density is a measure of the mass of an object per unit volume. The density of an object is expressed in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). The density of water is 1,000 kg/m³.
Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of a partially or fully immersed object. The magnitude of the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
### Archimedes’ Principle
Archimedes’ principle states that the upward buoyant force that is exerted on a body immersed in a fluid, whether fully or partially submerged, is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces.
### Application to a Wheel and Tire
The density of a wheel and tire can vary depending on the materials used in its construction. However, the density of a typical steel wheel and tire is approximately 7,800 kg/m³.
When a wheel and tire are placed in water, they will displace a volume of water equal to their own volume. The weight of the displaced water is equal to the buoyant force acting on the wheel and tire.
If the density of the wheel and tire is greater than the density of the water, the weight of the wheel and tire will be greater than the buoyant force. In this case, the wheel and tire will sink in water.
If the density of the wheel and tire is less than the density of the water, the weight of the wheel and tire will be less than the buoyant force. In this case, the wheel and tire will float on water.
### Factors Affecting Buoyancy
In addition to density, the size and shape of the wheel and tire can also affect its buoyancy. A larger wheel and tire will displace a greater volume of water, resulting in a greater buoyant force. A wheel and tire with a streamlined shape will also experience less resistance from the water, which will further increase its buoyancy.
### Sink or Float?
Based on the principles discussed above, we can determine the conditions under which a wheel and tire will sink or float in water:
Sink: If the density of the wheel and tire is greater than the density of the water, it will sink.
Float: If the density of the wheel and tire is less than the density of the water, it will float.
### Applications
The concept of buoyancy has numerous applications in various fields, including:
1. Shipbuilding: Ships are designed to float on water because their average density is less than the density of water.
2. Submarine Design: Submarines are designed to sink below the water’s surface by increasing their density through the use of ballast tanks.
3. Underwater Exploration: Underwater vehicles, such as submarines and diving bells, are designed to maintain neutral buoyancy to remain at a constant depth in the water.
4. Buoyancy Aids: Life jackets and other buoyancy aids are designed to provide buoyancy to keep people afloat in water.
### Conclusion
In summary, a wheel and tire will sink in water if its density is greater than the density of the water. Conversely, it will float if its density is less than the density of the water. The size and shape of the wheel and tire can also affect its buoyancy. These principles of buoyancy have various applications in shipbuilding, submarine design, underwater exploration, and the design of buoyancy aids.