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PRACTICE · MEMBERSIntermediate · Single correct

PRACTICE / Floating equilibrium

The same weight needs more volume

A floating density instrument has mass 30 g and a uniform stem of area 1.5 cm² across both waterlines. It moves from a liquid of density 1000 kg/m³ to one of density 750 kg/m³. Only the stem crosses the surfaces and the instrument remains upright.

How much farther does it sink in the second liquid?

Organize the givens & assumptions
  • M = 0.030 kg
  • Stem area = 1.5 × 10⁻⁴ m²
  • ρ₁ = 1000 kg/m³
  • ρ₂ = 750 kg/m³

Settled hydrostatic equilibrium in uniform gravity; stable stated orientation, no contact forces unless stated, negligible air buoyancy and surface tension, no absorption, trapped gas or spilling.

  1. A5.00 cm5.00\ \mathrm{cm}
  2. B6.67 cm6.67\ \mathrm{cm}
  3. C26.7 cm26.7\ \mathrm{cm}
  4. D20.0 cm20.0\ \mathrm{cm}

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