Oil & Water Problem: Ball Float 50% in Water - Why Does It Rise?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a ball floating 50% in water when oil is introduced. The primary conclusion is that the ball rises due to the increased buoyant force as oil, which is less dense than water, displaces the water upwards. The relevant buoyancy equation, Fb = pgB, is essential for understanding this phenomenon. Participants emphasized the importance of Archimedes' principle in explaining the ball's behavior in different fluids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle
  • Familiarity with the buoyancy equation (Fb = pgB)
  • Knowledge of fluid density differences, specifically between oil and water
  • Basic physics concepts related to floating and sinking objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Archimedes' principle in detail
  • Explore fluid dynamics and the effects of density on buoyancy
  • Learn about the properties of different fluids, focusing on oil and water
  • Investigate practical applications of buoyancy in engineering and design
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching fluid mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding buoyancy and fluid interactions.

Joe55433454
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How does a ball floating 50% in water move when a large amount of oil is added, and why?

MY Solution:

I think that the ball rises because when a large amount of oil is added, the oil sinks to the bottom causing the water to be pushed up, increasing the buoyant force which causes the ball to rise.

Relevant equations would be the buoyancy equation. Fb=pgB

Does anyone agree with me that this is right?
 
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Joe55433454 said:
How does a ball floating 50% in water move when a large amount of oil is added, and why?

MY Solution:

I think that the ball rises because when a large amount of oil is added, the oil sinks to the bottom causing the water to be pushed up, increasing the buoyant force which causes the ball to rise.

Does anyone agree with me that this is right?
Welcome to the PF.

Please do not delete the Homework Help Template when you are posting schoolwork-type problems. It is meant to help you organize your thoughts.

Part of the Template asks for the Relevant Equations. What are they in this case? Is oil heavier or lighter than water? Why do you think that a ball will float higher in oil than it will in water?
 
@berkeman

I am so sorry. I won't next time!
 
Please feel free to respond.
 
Joe55433454 said:
Please feel free to respond.
Not until you post the Relevant Equations and talk through how they could be applied here. And if you answer the other questions in my post above, that will help you work your way toward the answer.

Also, are you familiar with Archimedes' principle? :smile:
 

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