How Much Additional Mass Can a Floating Air Mattress Support?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of an unknown mass, m, based on the dimensions and properties of a rectangular waterproof air mattress floating in water. The solution involves solving for m2 using the equation B = density of water x volume * g and taking into account the weight of the displaced fluid and the mass of air. The correct answer is 79.9kg, but the attempted solution of 78.1kg is incorrect due to possible rounding errors or incorrect calculations.
  • #1
mizzy
217
0

Homework Statement



A rectangular waterproof air mattress is 2.0m long, 0.50mwide and 0.08m thick. It has a mass of 2.0kg and is supporting an additional mass of m, while floating in the water,
calculate the mass, m, assuming the density of water is 1000kg/m^3 and density of air is 1.29kg/m^3

Homework Equations



B = weight of displaced fluid

B= density of water x volume * g

where B = mass of 2kg, unknown mass and mass of air

The Attempt at a Solution



I solved it and i got 78.1kg. The answer is 79.9kg

this is what i did:

m1g + m2g + density(air) * V *g = density(water) * V * g

solve for m2:

m2 = density(water) * V - density(air) * V - m1
m2 = 1000(0.08) - 1.29(0.08) - 2
m2 = 78.1kg

Can someone point out where i went wrong?
 
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  • #2
No idea how to get answer that you listed as correct, IMHO it is off by 2 kg, but

mizzy said:
m2 = 1000(0.08) - 1.29(0.08) - 2
m2 = 78.1kg

this is just incorrect. Perhaps you have rounded down intermediate results, or just keyed those numbers wrong in your calculator.

800 - 0.1032 - 2 = 77.8968 ≈ 77.9
 

1. What is Archimedes' principle?

Archimedes' principle states that when an object is immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.

2. Who discovered Archimedes' principle?

The principle was discovered by the ancient Greek mathematician and scientist Archimedes in the 3rd century BC.

3. What is the significance of Archimedes' principle?

Archimedes' principle is fundamental to the understanding of buoyancy and is used in many practical applications, such as shipbuilding and designing flotation devices.

4. How is Archimedes' principle related to density?

Archimedes' principle is related to density because the buoyant force is dependent on the density of the fluid. An object will float if its density is less than the density of the fluid it is immersed in, and sink if its density is greater.

5. Can Archimedes' principle be applied to gases?

Yes, Archimedes' principle can be applied to gases as well as liquids. The principle states that the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced, regardless of whether it is a gas or a liquid.

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