Question

When an object is suspended from a spring balance, the reading is 6.60 N. When the suspended object is submerged in water, the reading is 5.00 N. Determine the density of the object.

Answer 1

To determine the density of the object, we can use Archimedes' principle. The difference in readings on the spring balance represents the weight of the fluid displaced. By subtracting the weight of the fluid displaced from the weight of the object, we can find the weight of the object in air. Then, dividing the weight of the object in air by its volume will give us its density.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the density of the object, we can use Archimedes' principle. According to this principle, the weight of the object when submerged in water is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. The difference in readings on the spring balance, 6.60 N and 5.00 N, represents the weight of the fluid displaced. We can subtract the weight of the fluid displaced from the weight of the object to find the weight of the object in air. Then, by dividing the weight of the object in air by the volume of the object, we can determine its density.

Let's calculate:

Weight of object in air = 6.60 N

Weight of fluid displaced = 6.60 N - 5.00 N = 1.60 N

Weight of object in air = Weight of object in water + weight of fluid displaced

Weight of object in water = 5.00 N - 1.60 N = 3.40 N

Density = Weight of object in air / Volume of object