Calculating Volume Using Archimedes' Principle

In summary, an object's weight in ethyl alcohol and water can be calculated using the densities of the liquids, volume of the object, and gravity. By comparing the two equations, the volume of the object can be solved for. The density of each liquid can be found by looking them up.
  • #1
nix
43
0
An object is solid throuhgout. When the object is completely submerged in ethyl alcohol, its apparent weight is 15.2N. When completely submerged in water, its apparent weight is 13.7N. What is the volume of the object?

This is my attempt:

Weight of object in ethyl alcohol [Woe]= (density of alchohol[de])(volume of object)(gravity)

Weight of object in water[Wow] = (densityof water[dw])(volume of object)(gravity)

therefore:

Woe/de = Wow/dw

Woe/Wow = de/dw
15.2/13.7 = de/dw

but this is where i get stuck..because both the equations have volume and gravity they just cancel and i can't solve for either of the densities...

thanks for any hints.. :confused:
 
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  • #2
Apparent weight = real weight - buoyant force

Set up two equations, one for each liquid, and compare. You'll need the density of each liquid---look them up.
 
  • #3
thank you :)
 

Related to Calculating Volume Using Archimedes' Principle

1. What is Archimedes' Principle?

Archimedes' Principle is a scientific law that states that the buoyant force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that the object displaces.

2. Who was Archimedes?

Archimedes was an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. He is most famous for discovering the principles of buoyancy and lever, as well as developing the concept of pi.

3. How does Archimedes' Principle work?

Archimedes' Principle states that when an object is immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward force known as the buoyant force, which is equal to the weight of the fluid that the object displaces. This force is caused by the difference in pressure between the top and bottom of the object, with the bottom experiencing higher pressure due to the weight of the fluid above it.

4. What is the importance of Archimedes' Principle?

Archimedes' Principle is important in understanding the behavior of objects in fluids and is the basis for many applications such as shipbuilding, submarine design, and the functioning of hydrometers and other measuring instruments. It also has practical applications in daily life, such as explaining why objects float or sink in water.

5. Are there any exceptions to Archimedes' Principle?

Yes, there are exceptions to Archimedes' Principle, such as when the object is not completely submerged in the fluid or when the fluid is compressible. The principle also does not apply in situations where there are other forces acting on the object, such as when the object is accelerating or when there is turbulence in the fluid.

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