A solid metal sphere of mass 0.50kg displaces 3.5×10−4m3 of water when completely submerged. The sphere rests on the bottom of a tank of water without being tied.
Given g=9.8ms−2 and ρw=1000kgm−3.
(i) Compute the buoyant force acting on the sphere.
(ii) Determine the normal reaction exerted by the tank bottom on the sphere.
(iii) State whether the sphere would rise, sink further, or remain where it is if the tank bottom were suddenly removed. Give a brief reason.