Volume of block given underwater and land weight

In summary, the block has a mass of 0.9kg on land and weighs 9N in air and 7N in water. This information can be used to solve for the volume of the block using the equation w=mg and d=m/v. By finding the difference in weights between air and water, the weight of water displaced can be calculated and used with the density of water to determine the volume of the block, which is 200cm^3.
  • #1
test2morrow
15
0

Homework Statement



A block of metal weighs 9N in air and 7N in water. What is volume of block?

correct answer: 200cm^3

Homework Equations



w=mg
d=m/v



The Attempt at a Solution



I figured out that it has mass of 0.9kg on land...which may or may not be helpful.
 
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  • #2
You know the difference in weights of the block when in different mediums. This is a buoyancy problem. The difference in weights is equal to the weight of water displaced by the block. If you use the density of water with the weight of water displaced you'll get the volume of the block.
 
  • #3
thanks!
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the volume of a block given its underwater and land weight?

The formula for calculating the volume of a block given its underwater and land weight is: V = (Wunderwater - Wland) / ρw, where V is the volume, Wunderwater is the weight of the block when submerged in water, Wland is the weight of the block in air, and ρw is the density of water.

2. How does the volume of a block change when it is submerged in water compared to when it is on land?

The volume of a block will increase when it is submerged in water compared to when it is on land. This is because the weight of the water that the block displaces adds to the total weight of the block, resulting in a larger volume calculation.

3. What units should be used when calculating the volume of a block given its underwater and land weight?

The weight values used in the formula should be in the same units, such as kilograms or pounds. The density of water, ρw, is typically measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3), so the volume will be in cubic meters (m3). However, it is important to make sure all units are consistent when performing the calculation.

4. Can the volume of a block given its underwater and land weight be negative?

No, the volume of a block cannot be negative. If the weight of the block in air is greater than the weight of the block when submerged in water, the result of the formula will be a negative value. However, this value is not physically meaningful and indicates an error in the calculation.

5. How can the volume of a block given its underwater and land weight be used in practical applications?

The volume of a block given its underwater and land weight can be used in many practical applications, such as determining the buoyancy of an object or calculating the weight of an object based on its volume. It is also useful in understanding the effects of water on objects and structures, such as ships or dams.

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