MHB Water Displacement Volume question

AI Thread Summary
Discussions about water displacement clarify that the volume of an object is not simply the volume of displaced water. Instead, the volume is calculated by determining the dimensions of the water displaced, which involves measuring the height difference when the object is submerged. In this case, a height difference of 0.02m, along with the bridge's length of 3.5m and width of 2m, results in a calculated volume of 0.14m³. This understanding resolves initial confusion about the relationship between displaced water and the object's volume. The explanation effectively highlights the correct method for calculating volume through displacement.
akarikairi
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Sorry if this is the wrong category for this.

I am mostly confused about this question because I thought that displaced water WAS the volume of any given object. I'm confused by the reasoning of the actual answer for this. Is there something I'm missing here?

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The difference between the height of water when the bridge is immersed minus the height of the water when the bridge is removed is 0.02m. This is not the volume of the bridge; you need to calculate the volume of water with a height of 0.02, a length of 3.5m and a width of 2m:

$$3.5\text m\times2\text m\times0.02\text m=0.14\text m^3$$

This is the volume of the bridge.
 
Ah ok, that makes sense. I see it now. Thanks for clearing that up :)
 
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