Final answer:
A loaded tanker sits lower in the water than empty, not because of oil's density but due to overall mass increasing the ship's displacement. Dry bulk tank loads have a high unstable center of gravity, affecting stability. Heavily loaded trailers respond more sluggishly to bumps, indicated by slow bouncing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering why a loaded oil tanker sits lower in the water than an empty one, despite the density of oil being less than that of water, the concept of buoyancy must be taken into account. It is the overall mass of the tanker that determines how low it sits in the water. A loaded tanker has a greater mass due to the weight of the oil, causing it to displace more water and thus sit lower than when it is empty, irrespective of the oil's density compared to water.
Similarly, dry bulk tank loads have a high unstable center of gravity due to the distribution of mass within the cargo area. Large amounts of dry bulk materials can shift or settle during transport, making their center of gravity higher and less stable, which is a critical consideration in maintaining the stability of ships or freight trucks.
For instance, if a freight truck trailer is seen bouncing up and down slowly on a highway, it signifies that the trailer is likely heavily loaded. A heavy load affects the trailer's suspension, causing it to react more sluggishly to bumps, which contrasts with an empty trailer that would bounce more rapidly due to less damping by the load.