Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward

In summary, when a block floats partially submerged in a container of liquid and the entire container is accelerated upward, there is a net upward force on the block causing the buoyant force to increase. This results in more of the block's volume being submerged in the liquid, causing the block to descend. However, in a system where acceleration is present, it is equivalent to an increase in gravity. This means that the block's floating position is not affected by the acceleration, and it will remain at the same level in the liquid regardless of the acceleration. Therefore, the correct answer is B.
  • #1
Chozen Juan
14
0

Homework Statement



A block floats partially submerged in a container of liquid. When the entire container is accelerated upward, which of the following happens? Assume that both the liquid and the block are incompressible.

A) The block descends down lower into the liquid.
B) The block does not ascend or descend in the liquid.

Homework Equations



ρ = M/(Volume)
W = Mg
F = ma
Archimedes's principle

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured that when the block floats partially submerged and is not accelerating, the buoyant force on the block is equal to the block's weight.

When the block is accelerated upward, then there must be a net upward force on the block; since there are only two forces acting on the block, buoyant force and weight, the buoyant force on the block must increase. Since the buoyant force increases, more of the block's volume must be submerged in the liquid since, by Archimedes's principle, the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the displaced liquid. More liquid should be displaced now, so the block must descend. I chose answer A.

The correct answer, however, is B.
What is wrong with my reasoning?
 
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  • #2
When a system accelerates it's just as if you have increased gravity ...Remember astronauts in a rocket taking off from Earth ..they experience 5 or 6 g because the rocket is accelerating at 4or 5 g ...inside the rocket it feels the same as it would if the Earth's gravity had just magically increased.

So the question is... is the way the block floats dependent on the gravity it experiences , On the moon would it float the same as on Earth ?
 
Last edited:

1. What is a Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward?

A Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward refers to a container filled with liquid that is being propelled upwards, either through a force or acceleration. This can be seen in situations such as a rocket taking off or water being sprayed out of a fountain.

2. What causes a Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward?

The acceleration or force that causes the liquid in the container to move upwards can be due to various factors, such as pressure differences, gravity, or external forces. In the case of a rocket, the force of the burning propellant pushes the liquid (fuel) upwards, while in a fountain, the pressure difference between the bottom and top of the water column causes it to accelerate upwards.

3. How does a Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward affect the liquid inside?

The acceleration of the container can have different effects on the liquid inside, depending on the type of liquid and the intensity of the acceleration. In some cases, the liquid may experience turbulence or splashing, while in others it may simply move upwards without any visible changes.

4. Can a Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward reach a maximum height?

Yes, a Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward can reach a maximum height, which is determined by the strength of the force or acceleration acting on it, as well as the properties of the liquid. Once the force is removed or decreases, the liquid will eventually stop moving and return to its original level.

5. What are the practical applications of studying a Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward?

The study of a Container of Liquid Accelerated Upward has various practical applications, such as in the design of rockets, fountains, and other forms of liquid propulsion systems. It also helps us understand the behavior of liquids under different forces and accelerations, which can be useful in fields such as fluid dynamics and engineering.

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