What is the average density of the duck floating on a lake?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the average density of a duck floating on a lake, it is essential to recognize that 25% of the duck's volume is submerged, displacing an equal volume of water. The weight of the displaced water, which has a density of 1000 kg/m^3, is equal to the weight of the duck. The relevant formula involves equating the buoyant force to the weight of the duck, expressed as density(duck) * g * V(duck) = density(water) * g * V(displaced). By substituting the known values, the average density of the duck can be calculated. Understanding this relationship is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
heather32283
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Probably an easy question, just can not figure it out.
A duck is floating on a lake with 25% of its volume beneath the water. What is the average density of the duck?

To me it seems like they do not provide enough information to figure the problem out, I am soo stuck.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think all you need is the density of water, which is 1000kg/m^3
 
yea I know that but I can not figured out the forula in which to use
 
The weight of the water displaced by the duck is equal to the weight of the duck. How does the volume of the displaced water compare to the volume of the duck?
 
its equal also isn't it
 
re-read the problem statement...

The duck's volume is V, the amount of volume displaced is equal to the amount of volume under the surface, so .25*V
 
ok got that part, just confused
 
can you do the rest of the problem then?
 
so we would just use the mass density equation right
 
  • #10
for a floating object, the bouancy force is equal to the weight of displaced water.

density(duck)*g*V(duck) = density(fluid)*g*V(displaced)
 
Back
Top