Calculate Average Density of a Person Hanging in Mid-Air

In summary, a person hangs from a set of scales and has a weight of 550.0 N. When completely immersed in water, their weight decreases to 21.2 N. Using the equations for density and weight, the person's average density can be calculated to be 1040 kg/m^{3}.
  • #1
faoltaem
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0

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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
thanks, that was really helpful
 

1. How do you calculate the average density of a person hanging in mid-air?

The average density of a person hanging in mid-air can be calculated by dividing the person's mass by their volume. The mass can be measured using a scale, while the volume can be estimated by measuring the person's height, width, and depth.

2. Why is it important to calculate the average density of a person hanging in mid-air?

Calculating the average density of a person hanging in mid-air can provide important information about the person's weight distribution and balance. This can be useful for understanding the safety and stability of objects or structures that the person is hanging from.

3. What factors can affect the average density of a person hanging in mid-air?

The average density of a person hanging in mid-air can be affected by the person's body composition, such as their muscle and fat distribution. It can also be influenced by the position of their limbs and the distribution of weight on different parts of their body.

4. How does the average density of a person hanging in mid-air differ from the average density of a person standing on the ground?

The average density of a person hanging in mid-air is usually lower than the average density of a person standing on the ground. This is because when hanging, the person's weight is distributed over a larger volume, resulting in a lower density.

5. Are there any safety implications of calculating the average density of a person hanging in mid-air?

Yes, calculating the average density of a person hanging in mid-air can help determine if the person is at risk of falling or if the structure they are hanging from can support their weight. It can also inform the design and safety measures of equipment used for activities such as rock climbing or bungee jumping.

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