Interesting bouyancy theoretical question

In summary, the contraption would weigh 15 pounds plus the weight of the string. The bouyancy force is not acting on the scale because it is counteracted by the tension in the string. This is due to the force of the water on the float, the force of the container on the water, and the force of the scale on the container.
  • #1
amnestic
8
0
Hello, I have a question

Lets say you have a container of water that weighs 10 pounds including the water/container material

and u have a 5 pound object that can float quite easily in that water

and u attach a piece of string to that object to the bottom of the container of water to the halfway point so that the object is suspended in the water at the midway point

Now if you were to put this contraption on a scale, will it weigh 15 pounds plus the weight of the string

or will it be between 10 to 15 pounds due to the bouyancy force upwards on the object

ENGAGE!
 
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  • #2
It would weigh 15 pounds plus the weight of the string. The bouyancy force is not acting on the scale.

Let's say that the string has negligible mass and displaces a negligible volume water, the float weighs 5 pounds and a volume equal to 6 pounds of water, the water weighs 9 pounds, and the container weighs 1 pound.

A free body diagram of the float shows that the tension in the string (1 lb down) is equal to the force of the water on the float (6 lb up) minus the weight of the float (5 lb down). A free body diagram of the water shows that the force of the container on the water (15 lb up) is equal to the weight of the water (9 lb down) plus the force of the float on the water (6 lb down). A free body diagram of the container shows that the force of the scale on the container (15 lb up) is equal to the force of the water on the container (15 lb down) plus the weight of the container (1 lb down) minus the tension in the string (1 lb up). A free body diagram of the scale shows that the force of the container on the scale is 15 lb up.
 
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Related to Interesting bouyancy theoretical question

1. How does the shape of an object affect its buoyancy?

The shape of an object plays a significant role in its buoyancy. Objects with a larger surface area will displace more water and therefore have a higher buoyant force. For example, a flat piece of paper will have a lower buoyant force compared to a crumpled piece of paper with the same mass due to its larger surface area.

2. Why do some objects float while others sink?

Objects float or sink based on their density compared to the density of the fluid they are placed in. If an object is less dense than the fluid, it will float because it displaces an amount of fluid equal to its weight. If an object is more dense than the fluid, it will sink because the buoyant force is not enough to counteract its weight.

3. Can an object have negative buoyancy?

Yes, it is possible for an object to have negative buoyancy. This means that the object is denser than the surrounding fluid and will sink. For example, a rock has negative buoyancy in water because it is denser than water and will sink to the bottom.

4. How does the temperature of the fluid affect buoyancy?

The density of a fluid is affected by its temperature. As temperature increases, the density decreases, resulting in a lower buoyant force. This means that an object will float higher in warmer fluids compared to colder fluids.

5. Can an object have neutral buoyancy?

Yes, an object can have neutral buoyancy. This means that the object has the same density as the surrounding fluid and will neither sink nor float. A submarine is an example of an object with neutral buoyancy, as it can control its density and remain at a certain depth in the water.

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