Buoyant forces with 2 liquids question

AI Thread Summary
To solve the problem of a wooden block floating between oil and water, start by calculating the forces acting on both the top and bottom of the block. The block has a height of 4.00 cm and a density of 960 kg/m3, while the oil has a density of 930 kg/m3. The buoyant force from the oil and water must equal the weight of the block for it to float. After performing the necessary calculations, the depth of the block below the oil-water interface is determined to be 1.71 cm. Understanding the balance of forces is crucial in solving buoyancy problems involving multiple liquids.
crispy_nine
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Hi, I have a tricky question, and was hoping somebody could explain to me how I would go about solving it. Here it is:
Oil having a density of 930 kg/m3
floats on water. A rectangular block
of wood 4.00 cm high and with a
density of 960 kg/m3 floats partly in
the oil and partly in the water. The
oil completely covers the block. How
far below the interface between the
two liquids is the bottom of the
block?
the answer is x = 1.71 cm
Any help is much appreciated.
 
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What have you done so far? Start by finding the forces acting on the top and bottom of the floating block.
 
It can also be advantegous to determine the weight of the block. :smile:
 
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