Conversion Factors and Functions Lecture Demonstrations
Floating Bowling Ball
Bowling balls are officially 8.59" in diameter, so the density of a 12 lb bowling ball can be calculated in lb/in3, then converted to g/cm3 for comparison to water, and other things that either float (D<1.0g/cm3) or sink (D>g/cm3). Objects can then be tested in a tub of water. See []. Balls can also be weighed on a family scale and measured with yardsticks to introduce a discussion of measurement errors.