Mass of a block floating over a heterogeneous density bar

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

To calculate the mass (m) of a block resting on a bar floating in water, one must first measure the mass (M) of the bar and the volume (V) of the block. By determining the dimensions of the bar, its volume can be calculated if its density is known. Additionally, measuring the depth to which both ends of the bar sink into the water allows for the computation of the volume of water displaced, which is equal to the total mass of the bar and block combined. Subtracting the mass of the bar from this total provides the mass of the block.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Archimedes' principle
  • Knowledge of density calculations
  • Ability to measure physical dimensions accurately
  • Familiarity with basic fluid mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Archimedes' principle and its applications in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about density and mass calculations in physics
  • Explore methods for measuring volume and dimensions of irregular objects
  • Research the principles of buoyancy and floating objects
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, engineers working with buoyancy and fluid dynamics, and anyone involved in calculating mass and volume in floating systems.

Sly37
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi! I just wanted to ask something. If i have a block, that is resting on the left side of a bar, and everything is floating on water, how can I calculate the mass (m) of that block?

(I have the mass of the bar (M) and the volume on the block (V))
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Depends on what you are able to measure.

If the bar is nice and regular and has a known density then that would help. Suppose, for instance that it is box-shaped.

If you were then to measure its length, width and height you could compute its volume and, hence, its mass.

If you were to measure the depth to which the two ends sink into the water then you would be able to compute the volume of water displaced by the bar+block.

Given the fact that a floating object displaces a quantity of fluid equal to its mass you could then subtract and derive the mass of the block that rests on the bar.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Work-Energy Theorem for Moving Block and Spring System?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Solving the Block-on-Spring Problem Using Forces
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
High School What is the Absolute Value of the Normal force on a block on this wedge?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Determine if the block will slide or flip over after contact
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Visualizing the SHM of 2 blocks attached by a spring
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Floating, hydrostatic forces, average density
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School What factors affect the rate of sinking objects in water?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad How to calculate the "weight" of this piece of metal?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Kinetic equation -- 2 masses attracted in space and collision....
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Damped oscillator with changing mass
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
9K