Where does a body weigh lightest?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the question of where a body weighs lightest, concluding that it is in cold water due to the principle of upthrust. The participant argues against the provided answer of "cold oil," asserting that oil typically floats on water because it is less dense. The key takeaway is that buoyancy provides an upward force, which does not change the actual weight of the body but affects the perceived weight in different fluids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the principle of buoyancy
  • Knowledge of fluid density concepts
  • Familiarity with the terms "upthrust" and "flotation principle"
  • Basic physics of liquids and their interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy in different fluids
  • Explore the density differences between various oils and water
  • Study the effects of temperature on fluid density
  • Learn about the applications of the flotation principle in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching fluid mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of buoyancy and density in fluids.

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Homework Statement



Hot oil, Hot water, Cold Oil, Cold water

Homework Equations



Upthrust according to flotation principle

The Attempt at a Solution



It will weight lightest when Upthrust by the fluid is highest, which should be cold water.

Answer given was " cold oil".
 
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I think you're right and the answer is wrong. Oil floats on water because it's less dense.
 
Only some forms of oil are denser than water, and a person's body weight doesn't change because it's floating, it's just that buoyancing is providing some countering upwards force, which would make this a trick question.
 
This was not meant to be a trick question, I am sure.
 
Most types of oil float on water so pretty sure the given answer is wrong.
 

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