What is the density of an iceberg and how much of it will show in fresh water?

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SUMMARY

The density of ice can be determined using the relationship between the weight of the displaced water and the weight of the iceberg. Given that the part of the iceberg above sea level is one ninth of the whole, the density of ice is calculated to be approximately 917 kg/m³. When the iceberg moves into fresh water, the proportion of the iceberg submerged can be calculated using the equation ρ_ice * g * v_ice = ρ_water * g * v_water, leading to a submerged volume that is approximately 91.7% of the iceberg's total volume.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of density and buoyancy.
  • Knowledge of the densities of sea water (1025 kg/m³) and fresh water (1000 kg/m³).
  • Ability to manipulate and solve equations involving variables and constants.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle in fluid mechanics.
  • Explore the effects of atmospheric pressure on floating objects.
  • Learn about the properties of ice and its behavior in different water conditions.
  • Investigate the implications of iceberg density on climate change and sea level rise.
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Students studying physics, marine scientists, environmental researchers, and anyone interested in the physical properties of ice and its interaction with water bodies.

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Homework Statement



a) If the part of an iceberg above sea level is one ninth of the whole, what is the density of ice?

b)How much of the iceberg would show if it moved into a fresh water region?

Homework Equations


Density of sea water=1025kgm^-3
Density of fresh water 1000kgm^-3

Weight displaced=upthrust
Force due to gravity = mg


The Attempt at a Solution



For part a) I equated the upthrust and the force due to gravity, by applying Newtons first law. However I am confused as to whether I should also take into account the atmospheric pressure pressing the part of the iceberg above sea level down. In all the stuff I've read no one seems to take it into account when finding the density of an iceberg. Is there a reason for this?

In part b) I think you again apply Newtons first law and use the ice density calculated in part a),

\rho_{ice}*g*v_{ice}=\rho_{water}*g*v_{water}

\frac{\rho_{ice}}{\rho_{water}}=\frac{v_{water}}{v_{ice}}

Which gives the proportion of ice under the water.

Please could someone help me?
 
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Vuldoraq said:
However I am confused as to whether I should also take into account the atmospheric pressure pressing the part of the iceberg above sea level down.


If you pick up a piece of paper, do you feel the 1400 pounds of force that air pressure exerts on it?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
If you pick up a piece of paper, do you feel the 1400 pounds of force that air pressure exerts on it?

I do :(
 
Vanadium 50 said:
If you pick up a piece of paper, do you feel the 1400 pounds of force that air pressure exerts on it?

I geuss not, but isn't that because as soon as you pick it up air rushes underneath the paper, very quickly, and the air underneath exerts an equal and oppisite force to the air above, thus we don't feel the pressure force. In the sea this situation is clearly impossible.
 
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