The Physics of Ice Melting:Water Level Changes

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of ice melting and its effect on water levels. It establishes that when ice floats in water, its melting does not change the water level due to the principle of buoyancy. Specifically, the volume of water displaced by the ice equals the volume of water produced when the ice melts. Additional scenarios, such as the presence of a coin above the ice or an air cavity within the ice, are explored, revealing that these factors can alter the water level depending on their specific conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy principles
  • Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concept of displacement
  • Knowledge of miscible liquids and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Archimedes' principle in detail
  • Explore fluid dynamics related to ice and water interactions
  • Investigate the effects of trapped gases or liquids in solid structures
  • Learn about thermal expansion and its impact on water levels
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Students of physics, educators teaching fluid mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of buoyancy and water displacement.

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source:british physics olympiad
:cool: a beaker of water has a piece of ice floating on its surface.When the ice melts,show that (by logic or by equations)
1.that the water level remains unchanged.
2.If a coin was initially kept above the ice block what chang will be there in answer to 1?
:-p 3.if the ice piece initially had an air cavity inside it how will the answer change?
:-p 4.if there is a miscible liquid TRAPPED inside the cavity then what will happen to the level of the water?:wink:
 
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Think about the volume of water that was displaced before the ice melts, and the volume of water that was added after the ice melts (no more displacement).

Once you figure this out, all the other situations are just variations on the simple theme.
 
This has been answered elesewhere. Here's a diagram for Part 1:
PF060917ice-water.gif
 

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