What is the Density Ratio of a Submerged Ball in a Fluid?

In summary, the ratio of the density of the fluid to the ball can be found by comparing the buoyant force on the ball to its weight. Since the ball is in equilibrium, the buoyant force must be equal to its weight, which is 3 times the weight of the displaced water. This means that the ratio of the weights of the ball and the displaced water is 3:2, which is also the same as the ratio of the densities of the fluid and the ball.
  • #1
MyNewPony
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0

Homework Statement



A block of mass M is attached to a light string. The string passes over a massless, frictionless pulley and is attached to a solid uniform ball of mass 3M. The ball is at rest and completely submerged in a fluid as shown. What is the ratio of the density of the fluid to the ball?

Density.jpg


Homework Equations



Fb = (rho)Vg
Fg = mg

The Attempt at a Solution



The forces acting upward must balance the forces acting downward on the ball. Thus,

Fb + Tension = Fg

Then,

(rho)Vg + T = 3Mg

We know that the tension in the string is equal to M because it is keeping the block at rest. Thus,

(rho)Vg + Mg = 3Mg
(rho)Vg = 2Mg

Divide both sides by Vg and we obtain:

(rho(fluid)) = 2(rho(ball))

This is not the correct answer. Can someone explain what I'm doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
What is the buoyant force on the ball?

It has 3*M*g acting down - its weight. It is in equilibrium so the buoyant force must be 2*M*g

The weight of displaced water then is density water times Volume = 2*M*g

But in that same volume is 3*M*g

Consider then the ratio of the weights of the ball, and the displaced water. Won't that ratio be the ratio of the densities since the volume is he same?
 
  • #3
LowlyPion said:
What is the buoyant force on the ball?

It has 3*M*g acting down - its weight. It is in equilibrium so the buoyant force must be 2*M*g

The weight of displaced water then is density water times Volume = 2*M*g

But in that same volume is 3*M*g

Consider then the ratio of the weights of the ball, and the displaced water. Won't that ratio be the ratio of the densities since the volume is he same?

Ahh, you're a lifesaver. Thank you!
 

1. What is the density of a submerged ball?

The density of a submerged ball is the mass of the ball divided by its volume. It is a measure of how much matter is packed into a given space.

2. How is the density of a submerged ball calculated?

The density of a submerged ball is calculated by dividing its mass by its volume. The mass can be measured using a scale, and the volume can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a sphere, V = (4/3)πr^3, where r is the radius of the ball.

3. Why does the density of a submerged ball matter?

The density of a submerged ball is important because it can help determine the buoyancy of the ball in a liquid. If the density of the ball is greater than the density of the liquid, it will sink. If the density of the ball is less than the density of the liquid, it will float.

4. How does the density of a submerged ball change with depth?

The density of a submerged ball does not change with depth. However, the pressure of the liquid increases with depth, which can affect the buoyancy of the ball. This is known as the hydrostatic pressure and can be calculated using the formula P = ρgh, where ρ is the density of the liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the depth.

5. What factors can affect the density of a submerged ball?

The density of a submerged ball can be affected by the material composition of the ball, the temperature of the liquid, and the pressure of the liquid. Changes in these factors can cause the density of the ball to change, which can impact its buoyancy.

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