Calculate Average Density of a Person Hanging in Mid-Air

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the average density of a person hanging in mid-air using weight measurements from scales. Initially, the person weighs 550.0 N, which translates to a mass of 56 kg. When submerged in water, the scales read 21.2 N, indicating a submerged weight that leads to a miscalculation of density. The correct approach involves using the mass of the displaced water to find the volume, ultimately yielding an average density of 1040 kg/m³, as opposed to the incorrect calculation of 26666 kg/m³.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as weight and density.
  • Familiarity with the equation for density: ρ = m/v.
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²).
  • Concept of buoyancy and displaced water volume.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle.
  • Learn how to calculate the volume of displaced water in fluid mechanics.
  • Explore density calculations in various states of matter.
  • Review problems involving weight measurements in different environments, such as air and water.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of density and buoyancy in fluid mechanics.

faoltaem
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Homework Statement



a person sits in a harness hamging in mid-air from a set of scales. the scales display her weight as 550.0 N. she then empties her lungs as much as possible and is completely immersed in water. the scales now give her weight as 21.2 N. what is her average density?

Homework Equations



[tex]\rho[/tex] = [tex]\frac{m}{v}[/tex]
W = mg
[tex]\rho[/tex][tex]_{water}[/tex] = 1000 kg/m[tex]^{3}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



m[tex]_{above}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{550}{9.81}[/tex] = 56kg
i'm not really sure what to do from here:
m[tex]_{below}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{21.2}{9.81}[/tex] = 2.16kg
v = [tex]\frac{m_{below}}{\rho_{water}}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{2.16}{1000}[/tex] = 0.00216 m[tex]^{3}[/tex]
[tex]\rho[/tex][tex]_{person}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{m_{above}}{v}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{56}{0.00210}[/tex] = 26666 kg/m[tex]^{3}[/tex]

But i know this is wrong cause the answer is 1040 kg/m[tex]^{3}[/tex]
 
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Her mass under water is her mass above minus the mass of the displaced water. So you need to use the mass of displaced water to work out her volume not her under water weight.
 
thanks, that was really helpful
 

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