Volume question (freshwater, saltwater, mercury)

[LoveKnowledge]

1. Rank the following from most to least for the percentage of its volume above the water line:

a. Basketing floating in freshwater

b. Basketball floating in saltwater

c. Basketball floating in mercury



2. N/A



3. I believe A=B=C, correct? It only asks for "percentage of its volume above the water line" but it doesn't specify any other specific requirements. If the basketball is floating on all three objects, it is above the "water line" for those specific elements equally...am I correct?

 

[Quinzio]

No, really.
Which are the forces here, and how do they work ?

 

[LoveKnowledge]

Of course freshwater, saltwater, and mercury have different density but if the basketball is floating on all three, it is equally "above the water line" for its percentage of volume over the "water line" for the specific elements; am I mistaking?

 

[Quinzio]

Yes, it's not correct. Think about the formula for the upward force. It's really simple.

 

[LoveKnowledge]

Liquid pressure = weight density x depth...therefore answer would be A (Freshwater), B (saltwater), C (mercury) from greatest to least since it would be the least amount of density applied?

 

[Quinzio]

The problem asks for the greatest volume above the liquid. In other words, the least submerged (the depth).
Liquid pressure is equal and opposite the ball weight.

Depth = (ball weight)/(density).

Mercury density is about 10, water density 1, which one gives the least depth ?

 

[LoveKnowledge]

But where I am confused is that it asks for "its volume above the water line". Wouldn't the least density cause more of its volume above the water line? I understanding your reasoning which would result in C, B, A but my understanding/logic seems to be that the less density, the more the "volume" of the basketball is above the water line...I just want you to know my "thinking" so I understand the concepts completely

 

[LoveKnowledge]

of course the regular water gives the least depth but maybe I am just confusing the logic of the question

 

[LoveKnowledge]

What would be the final order of the results? I am just completely mixed up/confused what the question is exactly asking!

 

[LoveKnowledge]

Sorry in posting so much; sense fresh water "submerges" the ball the least the order would be A, B, C as Mercury has the more density of the 3. Is this logic the correct reasoning?