Fluid Mechanics of swimming polar bear

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of a polar bear that partially supports itself on a rectangular slab of ice, using principles of fluid mechanics and Archimedes' principle. The polar bear's specific gravity is 1.0, and the total volume of the ice is 10 m³. The calculations reveal that the mass of the bear is approximately 790 kg, contrary to an initial miscalculation of 592.9 kg. The analysis involves determining the volume of water displaced and the relationship between the bear's volume and the buoyant force acting on the ice.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Archimedes' principle
  • Knowledge of specific gravity and density concepts
  • Familiarity with buoyant force calculations
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Archimedes' principle in greater detail
  • Learn about buoyancy and its applications in fluid mechanics
  • Explore specific gravity and its implications in real-world scenarios
  • Review problems involving buoyant forces and submerged objects
USEFUL FOR

Students studying fluid mechanics, physics enthusiasts, and professionals in fields related to marine biology or environmental science who are interested in the mechanics of buoyancy and animal adaptations in aquatic environments.

altamont
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A polar bear partially supports herself by pulling part of her body out of the water onto a rectangular slab of ice. The ice sinks down so that only half of what was once exposed now is exposed, and the bear has 70 percent of her volume(and weight) out of the water. Estimate the polar bears mass, assuming that the total volume of the ice is 10m^{3} and the bears specific gravity is 1.0.


Homework Equations


buoyant force- F_{B}=\rho_{F}V_{displaced}g=\rho_{o} V_{o}g=F_{w}


The Attempt at a Solution


so first of i found the initial mount of water exposed before that damn polar bear climbs on using V_{disp}=\frac{\rho_{o}V_{o}}{\rho_{F}} where \rho_{o} is 0.917x10^{3} and \rho_{F} is 1x10^{3}. this turns out to be 9.17 so the amount exposed is 10 less that amount, therefore 0.83 m^{3}. so since the amount exposed after the bear hops on is half the original amount it must be 0.415m^{3} therefore the amount exposed is 9.585. so since the surface of the ice was orginally 0.83 above the water and afterwards it is 0.415 above the water that meens that a mass equivalent to 0.415 of volume must have been added to the ice. since m=\rhoV and \rho for the polar bear is equal to that of water(its specific gravity is 1) then that mass is equal to (1x10^{3})(0.415)=415kg. since only 70% of this beast is on the ice that must only be 70% of its total mass so didving 415 by 0.7 we get 592.9 which isn't the answer in the back of the book! (the actual answer is 790!)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
(The subscripts are self evident.)

Use Archimedes' principle for all cases, and set up two equations.

Initially, suppose x fraction of the ice-block was under the water. Then (1-x) fraction was above it.
Afterward, x+(½)(1-x) = (½)(1+x) fraction of the ice is below water.

(Omitting the 'g's in all equations.)

For the case when only the ice was floating,
weight of water displaced = weight of ice block =>

<br /> xV_i \rho _w = V_i \rho _i<br />.

When 70% of the bear’s body is on the ice, then (3/10) of the bear's volume is under the water =>

<br /> (3/10)V_b \rho _w + (1/2)(1 + x)V_i \rho _w = V_b \rho _b + V_i \rho _i <br />.

We have to assume values for the densities of water and ice, after x is eliminated from the two equations.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K