Buoyancy question -- A raft with different loads....

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a raft's buoyancy, specifically calculating the volume submerged under different loading conditions. The subject area includes principles of fluid mechanics and density calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the submerged volume of a raft based on its dimensions and density, as well as the additional weight of a man and an elephant. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations and the use of density versus mass in the context of buoyancy.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's calculations, with some providing feedback on the formatting of the post and the need for clearer attempts at solutions. There is a focus on clarifying the figures used in the calculations, particularly regarding the distinction between density and mass.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the original poster may have misunderstood some aspects of the problem, particularly in the interpretation of density and mass. The discussion is ongoing, with no consensus reached yet on the correctness of the calculations.

TheStudent77888
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Homework Statement


[/B]
A Raft with dimensions, 5m for length, 3m wide and 0.12m thick, is placed on water. The raft has a density of 320 kg/m^3.

a) What volume of the raft is submerged into water, if the density of water is 1150 kg/m^3?

b) A man and his elephant board the raft. How much of the raft is now submerged, if the mass of the man is 70kg and the elephant is 540kg?

c) What is the maximum mass the raft can carry before it is totally submerged?

Homework Equations


[/B]
Volume of Raft = Length x Width x Height

volume submerged =

(Density of Raft)/(Density of Water) x Volume of raft

Density = mass/volume


3. Attempt at solution

Volume of raft= 5x3x0.12 = 1.8m^3

a)
volume submerged= (320/1150)x1.8 = 0.5m^3

b) Added weight= 540+70=610 kg

old weight= 320x1.8= 576kg

New weight = 1186kg

New density= 1186/1.8= 659kgm^-3

New Volume submerged = (659/1150)x1.8 = 1.03 m^3 submerged

c) density must equal that of water before it is completely submerged.

So 1150kg-350kg = 800kg, whichis the maximum mass the raft can carry
Could someone have a look through if my equations and subsequent workings are correct?

Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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There are two sections to the formatting template that you've missed. Helpers cannot help you until you've shown your own attempt at solution. How have you tried to solve the problem? What approaches have you tried? What equations from your course notes or textbook have you found that are relevant to this type of problem?
 
gneill said:
There are two sections to the formatting template that you've missed. Helpers cannot help you until you've shown your own attempt at solution. How have you tried to solve the problem? What approaches have you tried? What equations from your course notes or textbook have you found that are relevant to this type of problem?

Sorry, it was my first time posting.
I'll edit my post now with my attempts.
 
TheStudent77888 said:
So 1150kg-350kg = 800kg
Where do you get these figures from? I suspect 350 is a typo for 320, and you are confusing density with mass.
 

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