Relative weights in air and water

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relative weights of two solid pieces, one made of steel and the other of aluminum, when immersed in water compared to their weights in air. Participants are exploring the factors that influence the observed differences in weight between the two materials in different environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand why aluminum appears to weigh more in air despite both materials having equal weights when immersed in water. There is a focus on the relevance of Archimedes' Principle and the need for additional information regarding volume and upthrust.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested creating symbols for the unknown densities and volumes of the objects to formulate equations. There is a recognition that the lack of information about volume and upthrust is a barrier to progress, but the discussion remains active with various lines of reasoning being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific data regarding the volumes and upthrust experienced by the solids, which is critical for a complete analysis of the problem.

ScifiGen
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Homework Statement


Two solid pieces, one of steel and the other of aluminium when completely immersed in water have equal weights. When these solid pieces are weighed in air, aluminium seems to weigh more. Why is this so? On what factors in this being decided?[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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ScifiGen said:

Homework Statement


Two solid pieces, one of steel and the other of aluminium when completely immersed in water have equal weights. When these solid pieces are weighed in air, aluminium seems to weigh more. Why is this so? On what factors in this being decided?[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

You need to show an attempt at a solution.

What do you know? Where are you stuck?
 
SammyS said:
You need to show an attempt at a solution.

What do you know? Where are you stuck?
The relevant principle , I think , is the Archimedes' Principle.
According to it, weight in air-weight in liquid=Upthrust experienced.
Weight in liquid is the same for both, There is no information about volume or upthrust experienced of the solids.
So, I'm pretty much stuck too...
 
There is no information about volume or upthrust experienced of the solids.
There is some information in the given
When these solid pieces are weighed in air, aluminium seems to weigh more
which -- when properly dealt with in your relevant equation -- can help you further.
 
It might help if you create symbols for the unknown densities and volumes of the two objects. You can then express the facts you are given as equations and inequalities and see what you can deduce.
 

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