Finding the Relative Density of a Floating Sphere in Liquid

In summary, a hollow spherical shell with an external diameter of 1 metre and uniform thickness of 0.2m floats in a liquid with half its volume immersed. The relative density of the liquid is 1.5 and its density is 1500. Using the equation for buoyancy, it can be determined that the relative density of the material of the shell is 0.961 to 2 decimal places.
  • #1
Darth Frodo
212
1

Homework Statement


A hollow spherical shell of external diameter of 1 metre and uniform thickness of 0.2m floats in a liquid with half its volume immersed. If the relative density is 1.5 find t 2 decimal places the relative density of the material of the shell.

Homework Equations


Buoyancy = Vρg = Weight

The Attempt at a Solution



Relative density of liquid = 1.5
Density of liquid = 1500

Since it floats Buoyancy = Weight

Vρg = Vρg

( [itex]\frac{2}{3}[/itex][itex]\pi[/itex] ) (1500g) = [ [itex]\frac{4}{3}[/itex] [itex]\pi[/itex] - [itex]\frac{4}{3}[/itex] [itex]\pi[/itex] (0.8[itex]^{3}[/itex]) ) ] Xg

1000[itex]\pi[/itex] g = [itex]\frac{244}{375}[/itex] [itex]\pi[/itex] Xg

1000 = [itex]\frac{244}{375}[/itex] X

X = 1536.8

Therefore relative density = 1.5

Answer = 0.96
 
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  • #2
Darth Frodo said:
1000[itex]\pi[/itex] g = [itex]\frac{244}{375}[/itex] [itex]\pi[/itex] Xg

1000 = [itex]\frac{244}{375}[/itex] X

4/3 is missing from the right-hand side. It should be 1000=(4/3)*(244/375)*X.

ehild
 

1. How does a sphere float in liquid?

A sphere floats in liquid because of the principle of buoyancy. The weight of the liquid that the sphere displaces is equal to the weight of the sphere itself, causing it to float.

2. Why do some spheres float while others sink in liquid?

The density of the sphere compared to the density of the liquid determines whether it will float or sink. If the density of the sphere is greater than the density of the liquid, it will sink. If the density of the sphere is less than the density of the liquid, it will float.

3. Does the size of the sphere affect its ability to float in liquid?

Yes, the size of the sphere does affect its ability to float in liquid. A larger sphere will displace more liquid and have a greater buoyant force, making it more likely to float. A smaller sphere will displace less liquid and have a smaller buoyant force, making it more likely to sink.

4. Can a sphere float in any type of liquid?

No, a sphere cannot float in any type of liquid. The density of the liquid must be greater than the density of the sphere for it to float. For example, a sphere made of steel will sink in water but may float in a denser liquid like mercury.

5. How does the shape of a sphere affect its ability to float in liquid?

The shape of a sphere does not affect its ability to float in liquid. As long as the density of the sphere is less than the density of the liquid, it will float regardless of its shape.

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