How low the raft rides in the water depends on the density of the raft. The same is true of the human body: Fat is less dense than muscle and bone, so those with a higher percentage of body fat float better. If the raft is placed in saltwater, which has a density greater than freshwater, the value of h would decrease because each cubic meter of saltwater displaced weighs more than freshwater.
The equation for the value of h is:
h = V * Ï * g
Where:
h = height the raft rides in the water
V = volume of water displaced by the raft
Ï = density of the water
g = acceleration due to gravity
Since the density of saltwater is greater than freshwater, the density (Ï) in the equation would be higher for saltwater. Therefore, to have the same weight of the raft supported, less volume of saltwater must be displaced. This results in a decrease in the value of h.
