Why Does the Block Tip When a Weight is Added to Its Side?

[kppowell]

Homework Statement

Ok so we put a block of wood into water, let it float, then put a 100g weight on the side of it.
Explain why the block tips and the weight falls off

Homework Equations

Torque=Fd
Fb=pvg
Fg=mg
Fd>Fb

The Attempt at a Solution

ok i know that the Force*Distance if the torque from the center of the block to where the weight is put, and that this force is greater than the buoyant force when it tips, however what would the new Volume be? since the block pivots on its center when the torque is applied, isn't there a new length? i was thinking that the new length is perpendicular to the line of the torque, but how would you express this?

 

[AvroArrow]

The reason the block tips and the weight falls off is because the torque produced by the weight is greater than the buoyant force. The torque is the force times the distance from the center of the block to where the weight is placed. This produces a rotation of the block, which causes it to tip and the weight to fall off. The buoyant force is calculated using the formula Fb=pvg, where p is the density of water, v is the volume of the block, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. As the torque is greater than the buoyant force, the block will tip and the weight will fall off.

 

[Moetasim]

I would like to clarify a few things about the experiment and provide an explanation for the observed phenomenon. Firstly, the buoyant force is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object that is partially or fully submerged in it. This force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object, according to Archimedes' principle.

In this experiment, when the block of wood is placed in water, it displaces a certain volume of water equal to its own volume. This creates an upward buoyant force on the block, which is equal to the weight of the water it has displaced. As long as the weight of the block is less than the buoyant force, it will float.

However, when the 100g weight is placed on the side of the block, it creates a torque or rotational force on the block. This torque is greater than the buoyant force, causing the block to tip and the weight to fall off. This happens because the weight is creating a downward force on one side of the block, while the buoyant force is acting upwards on the entire block. The block will pivot around its center of mass, which is the point where the weight of the block is evenly distributed.

As for the question about the new volume, the volume of the block will remain the same. The length of the block may change as it rotates, but the volume remains constant. This is because the block is still displacing the same amount of water, regardless of its orientation.

In conclusion, the block tips and the weight falls off because the torque created by the weight is greater than the buoyant force acting on the block. This experiment demonstrates the principle of equilibrium, where an object will remain in a state of rest or constant motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.