Melting ice and water displacement

In summary, melting ice contributes to sea level rise by adding more water to the oceans. This can be measured using water displacement. The melting of polar ice caps affects global climate by exposing darker surfaces and altering ocean currents. While melting ice can have some positive effects, the negative impacts, such as sea level rise and disruption of global climate patterns, are far greater. The primary cause of ice melting is human-caused global warming, making it crucial to address in order to protect the environment and future generations.
  • #1
ncote
7
0
1. My professor gave us an extra credit problem in which we have to prove that water level does not change when ice melts.



2. (v)ice=(v)displaced water



3. any ideas?
 
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  • #2
Consider Archimedes's principle.
 
  • #3
so i have this:

Fb=(W) fluid displaced. and for the ice in a glass---- (V)ice=(V)displaced fluid.

(m)ice above surface=(m)(v of water)-(m)ice below.
 
  • #4
Think of it this way: How much water does a mass "m" of ice displace? (Don't forget that the ice is floating. Use that fact.)
 

1. How does melting ice contribute to sea level rise?

When ice melts, it adds more water to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise. This is because ice that is floating in the ocean, such as icebergs and sea ice, has already displaced its weight in water. However, when land-based ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets, melt, the water is added to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.

2. Can water displacement be used to measure the volume of melting ice?

Yes, water displacement can be used to measure the volume of melting ice. This is because when ice melts, its volume is converted to water. By measuring the amount of water displaced, we can determine the volume of the melted ice.

3. How does the melting of polar ice caps affect global climate?

The melting of polar ice caps has a significant impact on global climate. The white surface of ice reflects sunlight, helping to keep the Earth cool. However, as the ice melts, it exposes darker surfaces, such as land or ocean, which absorb more sunlight and contribute to global warming. Melting ice also affects ocean currents, which can alter weather patterns around the world.

4. Is melting ice solely caused by global warming?

No, melting ice can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural climate variability, such as changes in Earth's orbit, volcanic eruptions, and solar activity. However, the current rate of ice melting is primarily attributed to human-caused global warming, which is accelerating the melting of ice around the world.

5. Can the melting of ice lead to positive changes for the environment?

While the melting of ice can have some positive effects, such as opening new shipping routes and potentially increasing access to natural resources, the negative impacts far outweigh the positives. The melting of ice contributes to sea level rise, which can lead to coastal flooding and erosion, threatens the habitats of arctic animals, and disrupts global climate patterns. It is essential to address the root cause of ice melting, which is climate change, in order to protect our environment and future generations.

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