Weighing fluids with immersed objects

In summary, the conversation discusses the scenario of a butterfly entering a jar on a scale. It is mentioned that the butterfly's presence alone does not increase the reading on the scale, but when the lid is placed on the jar, the scale may register a change. The concept of impulse is also brought up in relation to the airflow in the jar.
  • #1
maxbashi
18
0
So imagine that in an open room you have a big scale and on it you have a jar and a lid sitting next to each other. Imagine a butterfly floating into the jar but not touching the bottom. I wouldn't think this would increase the reading on the scale. But if you put the lid on the jar, closing the butterfly inside, would the reading on the scale increase (compared to when the lid was sitting next to the jar on the scale?) Would the butterfly be "pushing down" on the scale now?
 
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  • #2
Doesn't make too much difference if the lid is on. If there is air flowing to the bottom of the jar, the scale will pick it up. Look up impulse.
 

Related to Weighing fluids with immersed objects

1. How do you determine the weight of a fluid with an immersed object?

To determine the weight of a fluid with an immersed object, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Measure the weight of the object when it is completely dry.
  2. Submerge the object in the fluid and measure its apparent weight (the weight it appears to have while submerged).
  3. Calculate the difference between the two weights. This is the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

The weight of the fluid can then be calculated by multiplying the density of the fluid by the volume of the displaced fluid.

2. What is the principle behind weighing fluids with immersed objects?

The principle behind weighing fluids with immersed objects is Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. By measuring the weight of the fluid displaced, the weight of the fluid can be determined.

3. Can any object be used to weigh fluids by immersion?

No, not all objects can be used to weigh fluids by immersion. The object must have a defined volume and be able to displace the fluid in a measurable way. Objects with irregular shapes or porous materials may not provide accurate results.

4. How is the density of a fluid determined by weighing it with an immersed object?

The density of a fluid can be determined by weighing it with an immersed object by using the formula density = mass/volume. The mass of the fluid can be calculated by subtracting the weight of the object when dry from the weight of the object when submerged. The volume of the fluid can be calculated by dividing the weight of the displaced fluid by its density.

5. Are there any limitations to weighing fluids with immersed objects?

Yes, there are some limitations to weighing fluids with immersed objects. This method is most accurate for fluids with low viscosity and objects with regular shapes. Additionally, the temperature and pressure of the fluid can also affect the accuracy of the results. It is important to carefully control these factors when using this method to ensure accurate measurements.

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