Ice Floats: Understanding the Law of Flotation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Law of Flotation, specifically addressing the misconception regarding the densities of ice and water. It is established that water has a higher density than ice, which contradicts the initial claim that ice's density is greater than that of water. The participants emphasize the importance of accurately quoting educational materials to clarify misunderstandings related to buoyancy and density principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly buoyancy.
  • Knowledge of density and its implications in fluid mechanics.
  • Familiarity with the properties of water and ice.
  • Ability to interpret scientific texts and textbooks accurately.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle.
  • Study the density differences between various states of water (ice vs. liquid water).
  • Explore the implications of density on flotation in different liquids.
  • Examine common misconceptions in physics education regarding density and buoyancy.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching fluid mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of buoyancy and density in liquids.

anigeo
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my textbook says that when a piece of ice is floating in a liquid the (water+liquid) level drops down if the density of ice(water) > density of liquid.
i have no idea how it happens.please help me.
 
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Water has a higher density than ice, so your assumption is impossible.
 
Please quote the textbook exactly. There are some subtleties they may not be coming through.
 

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