Bulk Modulus Problem: Sphere of Brass Diameter Change

In summary, the solution involves using the equation for bulk modulus to find the change in volume of the solid brass sphere as it sinks to a depth of 1.0 km in the ocean. This change in volume can then be used to find the change in radius and diameter of the sphere, which is 0.0721 mm. The error in the original solution was caused by using the incorrect value for volume.
  • #1
mreaume
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Homework Statement



A solid sphere of brass (bulk modulus of 14.0*10^10 N/m^2) with a diameter of 3.00 m is thrown into the ocean. By how much does the diameter of the sphere decrease as it sings to a depth of 1.0 km?


Homework Equations



Gauge pressure = density(water)*g*h
Bulk Modulus = -(ΔP/ΔV)*V


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried solving for ΔP = gauge pressure = 1000*9.81*1000=9.81*10^6.

I then isolated ΔV = -ΔP*V/B

V = 4/3*pi*r^3 = 14.14 m^3

I plugged in and got 9.906*10^-4 m^3.

I then solved for r in v=4/3*pi*r^3 (where I took V to be equal to 9.906*10^-4).

The answer I am getting for r is 6.18cm, which would be a difference of 12.36 cm when considering the diameter. But the answer is 0.0721 mm.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Your error is here: "I then solved for r in v=4/3*pi*r^3 (where I took V to be equal to 9.906*10^-4)". You should have used v = 14.14 - 9.906*10^-4, and you need to figure out how to get the change in r without roundoff error.

Chet
 
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