HESI A2 Physics Related

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Why are boats more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water?

  • A. Salt decreases the mass of the boats.
  • B. Salt increases the volume of the water.
  • C. Salt affects the density of the boats.
  • D. Salt increases the density of the water.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Salt increases the density of water, making saltwater more buoyant than freshwater. The higher density of saltwater provides more lift to a boat, enabling it to float more easily compared to in freshwater. Choice A is incorrect because salt does not affect the mass of the boats. Choice B is incorrect as salt does not increase the volume of water. Choice C is incorrect since salt affects the density of water, not the boats themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is that salt increases the density of the water, resulting in boats being more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water.