Why does a steel ship float?
Its shape and the water it displaces matter.
The short answer
Water exerts an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the water displaced. A hollow hull displaces much water while weighing less than a solid block of the same size. It floats when buoyancy balances its weight.
An example to make sense of it
Consider the whole ship: hull, cargo and interior spaces. The material of its walls alone is not enough.
How to answer
Choose the conclusion best supported by the facts and press Check. You can revise an incorrect answer and use help whenever you wish.
Preparing the case…