- #1
munchy35
- 27
- 0
Homework Statement
A flotation device is in the shape of a right cylinder, with a height of 0.500 m and a face area of 4.00 m2 on top and bottom, and its density is 0.400 times that of fresh water. It is initially held fully submerged in fresh water, with its top face at the water surface. Then it is allowed to ascend gradually until it begins to float. How much work does the buoyant force do on the device during the ascent?
Homework Equations
Fb=mf*g or Fb = density*Volume*g
The Attempt at a Solution
Fb=dwVg, where dw is the density of the fluid (water).
The net force is the difference between the buoyant force and gravity, Fg=mg=rVg, where r is the density of the cylinder’s material. Since the cylinder’s density is smaller than that of water, the upwards buoyant force has larger magnitude than the downwards gravity force, and the net force will be upwards, with magnitude Fnet=Fb-Fg=(rw-r)Vg.
Using Newton’s law, the net force is Fnet=ma, so the acceleration is upwards, and equal to a=Fnet/m=(rw-r)Vg/m=(rw-r)g/r=(rw/r-1)g=(1/0.4-1)g=1.5g.
i don't know how to answer the question.