Finding mass of paperclip using Millikans theory

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The discussion revolves around using Millikan's theory to determine the mass of a single paperclip based on the mass of envelopes containing varying numbers of paperclips. The group measured the mass of 70 envelopes, each with a different count of paperclips, and seeks to apply the principle that total mass can be expressed as the sum of the envelope's mass and an integer multiple of the paperclip's mass. The formula proposed is e + np, where "e" is the mass of the envelope, "p" is the mass of one paperclip, and "n" is the number of paperclips. The key point is that the mass differences between envelopes are solely due to the varying number of paperclips, allowing for the calculation of the individual paperclip mass. Understanding this relationship is crucial for completing the lab assignment effectively.
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Hey guy new to the forum and am in need of some help.
Im trying to figure out a lab that I started in class.

Our group meusured the mass of 70 envelopes with random numbers of paperclips in each.
Our task is to use millikans theory, that every meausurement is a whole number multiple of 1.6x10 to the -19, to find the mass of one paperclip.

Any help would be great.
 
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Assuming all the paperclips weighed the same, wouldn't it be fair to say that the mass of an envelop filled will a random number of paper clips will have a mass equal to the sum of the mass of the envelop and an integer multiple of the mass of a single paperclip? In otherwords, if the mass of the envelope is "e", the mass of a single paper clip is "p", and the number of paper clips in the envelope is "n", then the total mass can be represented by e + np.

Because "e" is the same for every envelope, and "p" is the same for every envelope, the only difference is in "n". This means the mass of one envelope compared to the mass of another differs only by an integer multiple of "p". Do you understand so far?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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