Are the units of volume compatible with the density units?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving an object submerged in two different fluids: water and oil. The problem requires determining the object's volume and density based on its weight readings in each fluid, utilizing principles of buoyancy and density.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore Archimedes' principle and its application to the problem, questioning how to relate the weight of the object in different fluids to its volume and density. Some express confusion about the units of measurement and the relevance of tension in the equations. Others suggest deriving equations based on the differences in weight readings between the two fluids.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing various approaches and equations. Some have provided insights into the relationships between weight, volume, and density, while others are still grappling with the concepts and calculations involved. There is no explicit consensus yet, but several participants are working towards clarifying the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of deriving the volume and density with limited data and the importance of ensuring consistent units throughout their calculations. There is also mention of the professor's unique approach to the problem, which may not align with typical textbook methods.

  • #31
sorry 362.5 cm^3 which would fit into a .0958 gal aquarium
 
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  • #32
now I need to find density
p = m/v What mass should I use? the weight of the scale for water, oil, or either?
 
  • #33
nick gear said:
so here goes... I know its been a while, been wrapping up this semester. But this is what I came up with.

V= (34.7 N - 34 N) / (9.8 m/s^2) * (1000 - 803)
V= 3.625 x 10^ - 4 m^3 = .3681 L = 368.1 cm^3
You used 803 kg/m3 as the density of the oil instead of the correct density of 830 kg/m3. Your calculated volume is wrong.

It's important to check your work for silly copying mistakes. It saves hours of pulling your hair out, wondering why you don't get the right answer.
 
  • #34
nick gear said:
now I need to find density
p = m/v What mass should I use? the weight of the scale for water, oil, or either?
You've calculated the density of the object and its volume. The only thing left to find is the mass.
 
  • #35
m= p * v => m = 9.3 g/cm^3 * 4.201 x 10 ^ -4 = .0039
 
  • #36
do I need to make some unit conversions because this number seems way off to me?
 
  • #37
nick gear said:
m= p * v => m = 9.3 g/cm^3 * 4.201 x 10 ^ -4 = .0039
Just as with mistakenly copying numbers between calculations, ignoring units can get you into trouble just as quickly.

What are the units of volume here? V = 4.201×10-4 what exactly? Are these units compatible with the units in the density of the block?
 

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