The Mystery: Solving a Brain Teaser with Water and Weight

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics brain teaser involving a square-based water column (1x1 meters, height 10 meters) and a styrofoam cube (1x1x1 meters). The challenge is to determine the weight required on one side of a see-saw to push the styrofoam cube 1 meter up in the water column, effectively placing it at a depth of 9 meters. Participants clarify that if there is a frictionless seal, the foam would act as a piston, lifting the entire water column instead of being pushed into it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding fluid dynamics and buoyancy in solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Knowledge of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts related to force and pressure
  • Ability to visualize scenarios involving water columns and weights
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Archimedes' principle and its applications in buoyancy
  • Explore fluid dynamics simulations to visualize water behavior under pressure
  • Study the mechanics of levers and see-saws in physics
  • Investigate the effects of friction in fluid systems and its implications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in problem-solving related to fluid mechanics and buoyancy concepts.

alibaba2
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a little brain teaser..:))

hi ...i'm having a hard time figuring out this one. see attachment pic. a water coluumn, square based tube ( 1 x 1 meters ) - height 10 meters. what will be the amount for the red weight at one side of the see-saw in order to push a styrofoam cube sized( 1x1x1meters=1 cubic meter) . the force must be sufficient to push the styrofoam inside the water column 1 meter up (so it will be at 9 meters depth).
theoretically there is no friction, and there is a seal blocking the water from flowing down and out of the pipe.

ideas?
thanks
 

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alibaba2 said:
the force must be sufficient to push the styrofoam inside the water column 1 meter up (so it will be at 9 meters depth).
theoretically there is no friction, and there is a seal blocking the water from flowing down and out of the pipe.

I don't get this one: If there is a frictionless seal between the styrofoam and the cylinder, then you can't push the foam "into" the water; the foam will act like a piston and you'll simply lift the entire column
 


ok, forget the frictionless seal detail, what i mena is there is no loss of water...i.e. all water leaked out below is compensated above, so water level remains constant.
thanks
 

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