Aluminium weight buoyancy problem

In summary, the problem involves a wooden block with a density of 533 kg.m-3 floating in water, and an aluminum weight is placed on top of it. The goal is to calculate the mass of the aluminum weight needed to fully submerge the wooden block. Using the given information of the mass of the wooden block (0.472 kg), density of water (1.00 x 103 kg.m-3), and density of the wooden block, the equation V (wood block)= FB/ p(object) x g is used to calculate the volume of the wooden block. However, the equation m (Aluminum) = p(Water) x V (wood block) is incorrect as it assumes the wood block has no mass
  • #1
Aleisha
25
0
An aluminium weight (B) is placed on top of a 0.472 kg wooden block (A) that is floating in water as shown below. The wooden block has a density of 533 kg.m-3 (3 s.f.).
Calculate the required mass of the Aluminium weight to just fully submerge the wooden block as shown in the diagram.
The density of water is 1.00 x 103 kg.m-3.
Given:
m(Wood block)=0.472kg
p (Density wood block)= 533 kg.m-3
p (Density water) = 1000 kg.m-3
Unknown:
m (Aluminium block weight)=?
Attempt:
V (Wood block)= FB/ p(object) x g FB= 0.472 x 9.80 = 4.6256
4.6256/(5.33 x 9.80)
= 8.86e-4 m3
m (Aluminum) = p(Water) x V (wood block)
= 1000 x 8.86e-4
= 0.886kg

I just need verification if I've done this problem correctly and if not could someone please explain where I've gone wrong? Thank you.
 
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  • #2
There is no picture "shown below" or a diagram. Is the aluminum attached to the top or to the bottom of the wooden block?

On Edit: Oops, the problem mentions that the block is on top of the wood.
Aleisha said:
m (Aluminum) = p(Water) x V (wood block)
This equation is valid only if the wood is massless which it cannot be. The right side of the equation is the mass of the displaced water which must be equal to the mass of the aluminum plus the mass of the wood.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
metal%20on%20wood.JPG
won't the water displaced just be the mass of the wood? I am still a bit confused?
 

1. What is the "Aluminium weight buoyancy problem"?

The "Aluminium weight buoyancy problem" refers to the issue of determining the buoyancy of an object made of aluminium. This problem arises because aluminium is a lightweight metal with a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio, making it commonly used in various industries. However, when submerged in a liquid, the buoyant force acting on the object may be significant enough to affect its stability and performance.

2. How is the buoyancy of an aluminium object calculated?

The buoyancy of an object is determined by comparing its weight to the weight of the liquid it displaces. In the case of aluminium, the weight of the object can be calculated by multiplying its volume by its density. The weight of the displaced liquid can be calculated using the density of the liquid and the volume of the submerged portion of the object. The difference between these two weights is the buoyant force acting on the object.

3. How does the shape of an aluminium object affect its buoyancy?

The shape of an object can greatly affect its buoyancy. A more streamlined shape, such as a cylinder or sphere, will experience less resistance in the liquid and therefore have a higher buoyant force. On the other hand, a flat or irregularly shaped object will experience more resistance and have a lower buoyant force. This is why ships and submarines are typically designed with streamlined shapes to maximize their buoyancy and stability.

4. What are some factors that can affect the buoyancy of an aluminium object?

There are several factors that can affect the buoyancy of an aluminium object. These include the density of the liquid, the shape and size of the object, and the temperature and pressure of the liquid. Additionally, any attached objects or materials, such as coatings or attachments, can also affect the buoyancy of the aluminium object.

5. How can the buoyancy of an aluminium object be adjusted?

There are a few ways to adjust the buoyancy of an aluminium object. One way is to change the shape or size of the object, as mentioned before. Another way is to add or remove weight from the object, which can be done by attaching or detaching materials or changing the internal structure. Finally, changing the density of the liquid or altering the temperature and pressure can also affect the buoyancy of the object.

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