A burden is a burden.
The term ballast has several uses according to the context . The concept can be used to refer to the material that is loaded into a hot air balloon or a ship to increase its weight . When the ballast is released, the means of transportation becomes lighter.
By adding or releasing ballast, then, the weight of the ship can be increased or decreased. In this way we seek to control the balance of the center of gravity.
Ballast on boats
In a boat, ballast helps maintain stability while sailing. By applying Archimedes' principle , a thrust or vertical displacement is caused in the water .
When the load weight is insufficient, ballast provides greater stability to the ship if the sea is turbulent. Likewise, if it is necessary for the ship to sink more, the ballast serves to achieve this.
Sandbags , rocks and metals were once used as ballast. Currently, the most common method is loading and unloading water.
Submarines, in this framework, carry air or water as ballast to submerge or surface, depending on the need. In ancient times, scuba divers used lead shoes as ballast to sink. Sand bags as ballast, on the other hand, are used in hot air balloons for altitude control.
In a boat, ballast helps maintain balance.
Other uses of the term
Within the field of sport, we have to establish that the term ballast is also used. Specifically, it is used to refer to the weight belts that some athletes put on in order to achieve greater and better results when performing pull-ups.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that ballast can also be used to define a stone of poor quality. In that case, we have to establish that its etymological origin derives from the Vulgar Latin astricum and this, in turn, emanates from the Greek ostrakon .
Ballast as an obstacle or load
In colloquial language , a burden is called ballast or that which represents a burden , hindering or making something difficult. For example: «That player is a liability for the club! "I hope the coach takes him off the team," "When I'm old, I don't want to be a burden on my children."
In this way, it is established that, for example, many people must let go of ballast in order to continue with their lives and have a better future. In order to be able to let go of this aforementioned burden, it is necessary that they take measures such as maintaining a positive attitude, setting clear objectives, being willing to leave aside their comfort zone and even turn the page without forgetting the past, what you have to do is overcome it.
Among the words that can be synonymous with ballast, taking into account their different meanings, we find hindrance, annoyance, brake, obstacle, impediment , block, counterweight, load, gravel, weight or overload, for example.
A town in Asturias
Likewise, we cannot ignore that Lastres is one of the most beautiful towns in the Principality of Asturias.
It belongs to the Council of Colunga, has just under 2,000 inhabitants and is known, in addition to its natural beauty of incalculable value, for its beaches, its historic center, its gastronomic wealth and its proximity to the Jurassic Museum.