What Forces are at Play on a Rock Sinking at Constant Speed in Water?

In summary, the conversation discusses the number of forces that are working on a rock sinking in water with constant speed. The speaker believes there are only two forces, gravity and water resistance, while their physics book states there are three, including buoyancy. The speaker is confused about how buoyancy works in this situation and asks for clarification. They also mention that buoyancy works similarly in other situations.
  • #1
johann1301
217
1
If a rock is sinking in water with constant speed..

how many forces are working on it?
 
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  • #2
johann1301 said:
If a rock is sinking in water with constant speed..

how many forces are working on it?

What are *your* thoughts? What is the context of your question?
 
  • #3
my thoughts are that there are only two; gravity and water resistance, but my physics book says its three; gravity, water resistance AND buoyancy. i don't understand how buoyancy works in this situation... anyone?
 
  • #5


I would say that there are two main forces acting on the sinking rock: gravity and buoyancy. Gravity is pulling the rock down towards the bottom of the water, while buoyancy, which is the upward force exerted by the water, is pushing the rock up. These two forces are balanced, resulting in the rock sinking at a constant speed. However, there may also be other smaller forces at play, such as drag from the water or any external forces acting on the rock, but these are likely negligible compared to gravity and buoyancy.
 

1. What causes a rock to sink?

A rock sinks due to the force of gravity pulling it towards the center of the Earth. This force is greater than the buoyant force exerted on the rock by water, causing it to sink.

2. How does the shape of a rock affect its sinking?

The shape of a rock can affect its sinking by changing its surface area. A rock with a larger surface area will experience a greater force of buoyancy, making it more likely to float. A rock with a smaller surface area will have less buoyant force, causing it to sink.

3. Can the density of a rock affect its sinking?

Yes, the density of a rock can affect its sinking. Rocks with a higher density will sink, while rocks with a lower density will float. This is due to the density of the rock determining the amount of mass per unit volume, which affects the buoyant force exerted on the rock.

4. How do other forces, such as wind and water currents, affect the sinking of a rock?

Other forces, such as wind and water currents, can affect the sinking of a rock by changing the direction and magnitude of the forces acting on the rock. For example, strong winds can push a floating rock towards a shore, while water currents can move a sinking rock in a certain direction.

5. What are some real-life applications of understanding forces on a sinking rock?

Understanding forces on a sinking rock can be applied in various fields, such as shipbuilding, oceanography, and fishing. By understanding the forces at play, engineers can design ships and boats that are more stable and efficient in the water. Oceanographers can use this knowledge to study the movement of objects in the ocean, while fishermen can use it to determine the best areas to catch fish.

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