Possible title: How Does Water Affect the Force on a Metal Cube in a Vessel?

In summary, when a metal cube is placed in an empty vessel and then completely immersed in water, the force exerted on the bottom of the vessel will remain the same. This is because the cube remains in direct contact with the surface of the vessel and the water level does not cover it. The force exerted on the bottom is equal to the pressure times the area, and this stays constant in both cases. The presence of water does not increase the pressure that the cube exerts on the bottom, as the density and gravity remain the same. In practice, there may be a slight difference due to the presence of a micro layer of water between the cube and the vessel floor, but this is negligible.
  • #1
Cromptu
33
0
A metal cube is placed in an empty vessel. When water is filled in the vessel so that the cube is completely immersed in the water, the force on the bottom of the vessel in contact with the cube :

Ans: Will remain the same.

But how? Won't the force exerted in the second case,i.e when the vessel is filled with water be less because of the buoyant force?


Please help!
 
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  • #2
Presumably: There is no water layer beneath the cube, so it remains in direct contact with the surface of the vessel. And the water level is just up to the top of the cube, but does not cover it.
 
  • #3
I have another doubt.
The force which the cube will exert on the bottom will be equal to : pressure*area , i.e., (height*density*gravitational acceleration) * area of the bottom.
Won't this force vary in the two cases? where in case 1, air is the fluid(density almost negligible) and in case 2 water is the fluid (much more dense)
 
  • #4
Cromptu said:
I have another doubt.
The force which the cube will exert on the bottom will be equal to : pressure*area , i.e., (height*density*gravitational acceleration) * area of the bottom.
Won't this force vary in the two cases? where in case 1, air is the fluid(density almost negligible) and in case 2 water is the fluid (much more dense)
You're going to have to describe the situation in more detail. (See the presumptions of my last post.) Assuming that the water does not cover the cube, why would the presence of the water increase the pressure that the cube exerts on the bottom?
 
  • #5
(height*density*gravitational acceleration) * area

This is the downward force due to gravity: F=mg. It stays constant.
The upward force due to buoyancy is obtained from the pressure difference between the top and the bottom of your object. The density on the bottom of your solid is the density of the 'floor'. The density on the top is the density of air. These stay the same, regardless of any density changes at the sides of the cube.

In practice however, it will be difficult to prevent the occurrence of a micro layer of water between the solid and the floor. As soon as the solid is detached from the floor, you will get buoyancy.
 

1. What is a metal cube in fluid mechanics?

A metal cube in fluid mechanics refers to a solid object made of metal that is immersed in a fluid, such as water or air. It is used as a model to study the movement and behavior of fluids around solid objects.

2. How does a metal cube behave in a fluid?

The behavior of a metal cube in a fluid depends on its shape, size, and the properties of the fluid. In general, it experiences forces such as buoyancy, drag, and lift, which affect its movement and orientation in the fluid.

3. What factors affect the fluid mechanics of a metal cube?

The fluid mechanics of a metal cube are influenced by various factors, including its shape, size, density, and surface roughness, as well as the properties of the fluid, such as viscosity and density.

4. What is the significance of studying fluid mechanics of a metal cube?

Studying the fluid mechanics of a metal cube helps us understand the behavior of fluids in real-life situations, such as the flow of air around an airplane wing or the movement of water around a ship's hull. This knowledge is crucial for designing efficient and safe structures and devices.

5. What are some applications of fluid mechanics in relation to metal cubes?

Fluid mechanics and metal cubes have various applications, including designing aircraft and spacecraft, improving the aerodynamics of cars, optimizing water flow in pipes and channels, and developing efficient wind turbines. They are also used in studying ocean currents and predicting weather patterns.

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