Where does a body weigh lightest?

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In summary, the conversation was discussing the principles of upthrust and flotation, specifically in regards to hot and cold fluids and their effects on objects. It was determined that the answer given in the discussion, "cold oil", may be incorrect as most types of oil are less dense than water and therefore float on top.
  • #1
johsun123
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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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  • #2
I think you're right and the answer is wrong. Oil floats on water because it's less dense.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
This was not meant to be a trick question, I am sure.
 
  • #5
Most types of oil float on water so pretty sure the given answer is wrong.
 

1. Where on Earth is a body the lightest?

A body is the lightest at the top of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Due to the decrease in gravitational pull at higher altitudes, objects weigh less.

2. Does a body weigh less in space?

Yes, a body weighs less in space compared to on Earth. This is because there is no gravitational pull in space, causing objects to experience weightlessness.

3. How does a body's weight change in water?

A body's weight in water is affected by buoyancy, which is the upward force exerted by a liquid. In general, objects weigh less in water compared to on land due to this upward force.

4. Is there a difference in weight at the equator compared to the poles?

Yes, there is a slight difference in weight at the equator compared to the poles. This is due to the Earth's rotation, which causes a slightly stronger gravitational pull at the poles and a weaker pull at the equator.

5. Can a body's weight change in different locations on Earth?

Yes, a body's weight can vary in different locations on Earth. This is because weight is affected by both the Earth's mass and the distance from the center of the Earth. Therefore, factors such as altitude and proximity to mountains or large bodies of water can affect weight.

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