42. Visit this PhET density simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16phetmasvo

Question

42. Visit this PhET density simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16phetmasvolden) and select Custom Blocks and then My Block.

(a) Enter mass and volume values for the block such that the mass in kg is less than the volume in L. What does the block do? Why? Is this always the case when mass < volume? (b) Enter mass and volume values for the block such that the mass in kg is more than the volume in L. What does the block do? Why? Is this always the case when mass > volume? (c) How would (a) and (b) be different if the liquid in the tank were ethanol instead of water? (d) How would (a) and (b) be different if the liquid in the tank were mercury instead of water?

Explanation / Answer

I was not able to view the simulation, but i m answering your questions based on chemistry principles.

a)

the block sinks or floats is determined by its density. The objects with density less than density of the medium floats. In our case its water. let the value of volume= 100 ml = 100 g and object= 0.05 kg

Fb= 0.1*9.8 m/s2 = 0.98 N

Fg(object)= 0.05*9.8 = 0.49 N

bouyancy is greater than gravitational pull. So object floats. yes it is always the case in water medium.

b) performing the similar calculations we will see that the object will sink. yes it is always this case.

c)

density of ethanol(789 kg/m3)< density of water(1000 kg/m3)

So the object will sink even when mass is less than volume(till a particular value)

d)

density of mercury is higher than water. So even when the mass is higher than volume, it wont sink.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse 4
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.