Calculate Weight of 3m^3 Ichthyosaurus in Metric Tonnes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the weight of a 3m³ ichthyosaurus based on its assumed buoyancy in water. Participants explore the relationship between volume, density, and weight in the context of fossilized remains.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for buoyancy and weight, questioning the interpretation of weight versus mass. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the volume of water displaced and the weight of the ichthyosaurus.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the problem, with some participants providing calculations based on assumptions about water density. There is no explicit consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the assumption that the ichthyosaurus was "weightless" underwater and the relevance of seawater density versus freshwater density in their calculations.

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Homework Statement



Fossilized ichthyosaurus remains enable us to estimate their volume. If we assume that a
3m^3 icthyosaurus was "wightless" when it swam under water. What was its weight in metric tonnes?





plugging this into the equation would give me B .. not weight??

Homework Equations



B=Wdisp. lqd ??

The Attempt at a Solution



B=V x density x g
g=9.81
density= 1000 kg/m^3 (assuming fresh water)
V=3m^3
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A floating object displaces it's own weight in water - how much does 3m^3 of water weigh

ps. actually the question is asking for the mass of 3m^3 of water

pps. I would imagine they lived in the sea
 
Soo. 1m^3=1025 kg
3m^3=1025 x 3=3075kg
1kg=0.001metric tonns
3075 x 0.001
=3.075 metric tonnes

its really that simple? haha
 
When a question asks for 'weight' in tons you can be sure that not a great deal of thought went into it

For bonus marks you could fin the density of seawater in the early Jurassic
 

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