What is the primary physical principle responsible for the floating of a heavy steel ship on water?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Archimedes' Principle explains that a body immersed in fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid, enabling massive steel ships to float. Other principles like Pascal's Law govern hydraulic pressure, and Bernoulli's Theorem explains fluid velocities and lift in aerodynamics. The average density of a ship including its hollow spaces remains less than water. The center of buoyancy must lie vertically below the center of gravity for stable floating equilibrium.