A solid iron cube of edge is gently released from rest in a large tank of water.

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Fluids · Fluids

Problem

A solid iron cube of edge 10 cm10\,\text{cm} is gently released from rest in a large tank of water. (i) Calculate the volume of water displaced when the cube is completely immersed. (ii) Calculate the buoyant force acting on the cube. Take density of water =1000 kg m−3=1000\,\text{kg\,m}^{-3} and g=10 m s−2g=10\,\text{m\,s}^{-2}. (iii) The density of iron is 7800 kg m−37800\,\text{kg\,m}^{-3}. Compare the weight of the cube with the buoyant force obtained in part (ii) and state whether the cube will sink or rise after being released. Give a reason based on your calculation.

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