Final answer:
The question refers to the maximum weight a watercraft can safely carry, which is linked to its buoyant force. The boat in the example can carry a load up to nine times its own weight due to the buoyancy provided by the displaced water volume. Passenger weight exceeding the limit poses a safety risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the recommended gross load capacity that can be securely carried in the hull of a watercraft. In this context, the correct answer is c. Maximum weight. This capacity is essentially the vessel's ability to support weight without compromising safety or performance, and is directly related to the buoyant force.
According to the provided information, a steel boat's buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced water volume. The maximum buoyant force is said to be ten times the weight of the steel utilized for the boat. Consequently, the boat can carry a load up to nine times its own weight. This principle is derived from Archimedes' principle, which states that the upward buoyant force that is exerted on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces.
It is important to note that if the total weight of passengers, such as the 20 men exceeding 3,500 pounds, surpasses the boat's gross load capacity, it poses a significant safety concern. The discussion and numbers mentioned indicate that these calculations are typical for a moderately large barge. Additionally, the example suggests that operational factors such as acceleration and speed, along with the physical design of the hull, affect the safe and efficient transportation of loads.