Cork: Solving for the Height of a Cork in a Dropped Bucket of Water

In summary: The vertical position of the cork can be determined by its acceleration over time. The bucket will take a certain amount of time to fall to the ground, and the position of the cork at that time can be calculated. In summary, the height of the cork in the water can be determined by considering its buoyant force, acceleration, and the downward acceleration of the bucket and water.
  • #1
GeneralShamu
1
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Please help! I need this within like 15 minutes!

Homework Statement


A cork is held at the bottom of a bucket of water of depth d.

The bucket is dropped from a height h, and simultaneously the cork is released. At the moment the bucket hits the ground, what height ill the cork have reached in the water?

Density of water = 1*10^3 kg m^-3

Homework Equations


Don't know...

I am in need of the equation, no numeical result.


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
GeneralShamu said:
Please help! I need this within like 15 minutes!

Homework Statement


A cork is held at the bottom of a bucket of water of depth d.

The bucket is dropped from a height h, and simultaneously the cork is released. At the moment the bucket hits the ground, what height ill the cork have reached in the water?

Density of water = 1*10^3 kg m^-3

Homework Equations


Don't know...

I am in need of the equation, no numeical result.


The Attempt at a Solution


1. What is the upward buoyant force (relative to the water)? What is the upward acceleration of the cork (relative to the water - ignore water resistance)? What is the vertical position of the cork (relative to the water) as a function of time?

2. What is the downward acceleration of the bucket and water? How long does the bucket take to fall to the ground?

3. What is the position of the cork at that time?

AM
 

1. How does cork float in water?

Cork floats in water due to its density. Cork is less dense than water, meaning that it is lighter and will therefore float on the surface of the water. This is because cork is made up of tiny air cells, which provide buoyancy.

2. Why does the cork slowly sink in water?

Although cork is less dense than water, it is not completely impervious to water. Over time, water can seep into the cork and replace the air cells, making it heavier and causing it to slowly sink. This process is known as waterlogging.

3. How does gravity affect the cork in water?

Gravity is the force that pulls all objects towards the center of the Earth. In the case of a cork in water, gravity is acting on both the cork and the water. However, since the cork is less dense than water, it will experience an upward force from the water, causing it to float.

4. Can cork float in other liquids besides water?

Yes, cork can float in other liquids besides water. The principle of density still applies - if the cork is less dense than the liquid it is placed in, it will float. For example, cork would also float in oil, as oil is less dense than water.

5. Why do some corks float and others sink in water?

The density of cork can vary depending on its composition and how tightly it is packed. If a cork is more dense than water, it will sink. Additionally, as mentioned before, waterlogging can also cause a cork to sink over time.

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