Upthrust in Fluids, Archimedes' Principle and Floatation
Solutions for Physics, Class 9, ICSE
Exercise 5A Long Answer Type
5 questionsAnswer:
The upward force exerted on a body by the fluid in which it is submerged is called upthrust or buoyant force.
Experiment —
If a piece of cork is placed on a surface of water in a tub, it floats with nearly of it's volume inside the water. If the cork is pushed into the water and then released, it again comes to the surface of water and floats.
If the cork is kept immersed, our fingers experience some upward force. This upward force is the buoyant force.
Answer:
The weight of body immersed in a liquid appears to be less than it's actual weight due to the effect of upthrust.
Experiment
Lifting of a bucket full of water from a well —
Take an empty bucket and tie a long rope to it. If the bucket is immersed in the water of a well keeping one end of rope in hand and the bucket is pulled when it is deep inside water, we notice that it is easy to pull the bucket as long as it is inside water.
But as soon it starts coming out of the water surface, it appears to become heavier and now more force is needed to lift it.
This experiment shows that the weight of body appears lighter when it is immersed in water than it's actual weight (in air).
A body held completely immersed inside a liquid experiences two forces (i) F1, the force due to gravity and (ii) F2, the buoyant force. Draw a diagram showing the direction of these forces acting on the body and state the conditions when the body will float or sink.
Answer:
Below diagram shows the direction of forces acting on a body completely immersed inside a liquid:

Whether the body will float or sink will depend on the relative values of F1 and F2.
(i) If F1 <= F2 then the body will float.
(ii) If F1 > F2 then the body will sink.
Prove that the loss in weight of a body when immersed wholly or partially in a liquid is equal to the buoyant force (or upthrust) and this loss is because of the difference in pressure exerted by liquid on the upper and lower surfaces of the submerged part of the body.
Answer:
Consider a cylindrical body PQRS of cross-sectional area A immersed in a liquid of density ρ as shown in the figure. Let the upper surface PQ of body be at a depth h1 while it's lower surface RS be at a depth h2 below the free surface of liquid.

At depth h1, the pressure on the upper surface PQ
P1 = h1 ρ g
∴ Downward thrust on the upper surface PQ
F1 = pressure x area = h1 ρ g A [Equation 1]
At depth h2, the pressure on the lower surface RS
P2 = h2 ρ g
∴ Upward thrust on the lower surface RS
F2 = pressure x area = h2 ρ g A [Equation 2]
The horizontal thrust at various points on the vertical sides of the body get balanced because liquid pressure is same at all points at the same depth.
From above equations (1) and (2), it is clear that F2 > F1 as h2 > h1 and hence the body will experience a net upward force.
Resultant upward thrust on the body
FB = F2 – F2
= h2ρgA - h2ρgA
= A(h2 - h1)ρg
But, A(h2 - h1) = V, the volume of the body submerged in the liquid.
∴ Upthrust FB = Vρg
Vρg = Volume of solid immersed x density of liquid x acceleration due to gravity
Since a solid when immersed in a liquid, displaces liquid equal to the volume of its submerged part, therefore
Vρg = Volume of liquid displaced x density of liquid x acceleration due to gravity
= mass of liquid displaced x acceleration due to gravity
= weight of the liquid displaced by the submerged part of the body.
Hence,
Upthrust = weight of the liquid displaced by the submerged part of the body.
Now in another experiment, we suspend a solid by a thin thread attached to the hook of a spring balance to check its weight. Once the weight is noted, we fill a eureka can with water till its spout and place a measuring cylinder below the spout of the eureka can. The solid is then immersed in water and the displaced water is collected in the cylinder.

When the water stops dripping, the weight of the solid and the volume of water in the cylinder are noted.
In the above figure, the solid weighs 300 gf in air and 200 gf when it is completely immersed in water. The volume of water collected in the measuring cylinder is 100 ml i.e., 100 cm3
∴ Loss in weight = 300 gf - 200 gf = 100 gf [Equation 1]
Volume of water displaced = Volume of solid = 100 cm3
∵ Density of water = 1 g cm-3
∴ Weight of water displaced = 100 gf [Equation 2]
From equations 1 and 2,
Weight of water displaced = Upthrust or loss in weight.
Thus, the weight of water displaced by a solid is equal to the loss in weight of solid.
Answer:
Experiment —

Take a solid (say a metallic piece). Suspend a solid by a thin thread from the hook of a spring balance. Note it's weight. Now take a eureka can and fill it with water to it's spout. Arrange a measuring cylinder below the spout of the eureka can.
Now, immerse the solid gently into water of the eureka can. The water displaced by it gets collected in the measuring cylinder, as shown in figure. When water stops dripping through the spout, note the weight of the solid and the volume of water collected in the measuring cylinder.
As shown in figure, the solid weighs 300 gf in air and 200 gf when it is completely immersed in water. The volume of water collected in the ,measuring cylinder is 100 ml i.e., 100 cm3.
Therefore, loss in weight = 300gf - 200gf = 100gf [Equation 1]
Volume of water displaced = Volume of solid = 100 cm3
Since, density of water = 1 g cm-3
Therefore, weight of water displaced = 100 gf [Equation 2]
From eqns. (i) and (ii)
Weight of water displaced = Upthrust or loss in weight.
Thus, the weight of water displaced by a solid is equal to the loss in weight of the solid. This verifies Archimedes' principle.
Exercise 5A Multiple Choice Type
13 questionsAnswer:
an upward force
Reason — The upward force exerted on the empty can by water opposing the push is called upthrust or buoyant force.
Answer:
less than its actual weight
Reason — Due to the upthrust or the buoyant force acting on a body immersed in water, the weight of a body appears to be less than its actual weight.
Which of the following are the correct characteristic properties of upthrust ?
(i) the smaller the volume of a body submerged in a liquid, the smaller is the upthrust
(ii) the upthrust acts on the body in an upward direction at the centre of buoyancy
(iii) for the same volume of a body inside a fluid, the less the density of the fluid, greater will be the upthrust
- (i) & (ii)
- (i) & (iii)
- (ii) & (iii)
- (i), (ii) & (iii)
Answer:
(i) & (ii)
Reason — Characteristic properties of upthrust :
- Larger the volume of a body submerged in a fluid, greater is the upthrust.
- For the same volume of a body inside a fluid, more the density of fluid, greater is the upthrust.
- The upthrust acts on the body in upward direction at the centre of buoyancy i.e., the centre of gravity of the displaced fluid.
Answer:
FB = Vρg
Reason —

Resultant upward thrust on the body
FB = F2 – F2
= h2ρgA - h2ρgA
= A(h2 - h1)ρg
But, A(h2 - h1) = V, the volume of the body submerged in the liquid.
∴ Upthrust (FB) = Vρg
Answer:
equal to, maximum
Reason — If a body is completely immersed in a liquid, the volume of the liquid displaced will be equal to its own volume and the upthrust will be maximum.
Answer:
Archimedes' principle
Reason — Archimedes' principle states that when a body is immersed partially or completely in a liquid, it experiences an upthrust, which is equal to the weight of the liquid displaced by it.
Answer:
slightly more
Reason — A body weighed 'W' in air by a sensitive spring balance, will weigh slightly more in vacuum, because in vacuum no upthrust acts.
Floating of a cork on the surface of water indicates that :
- the density of water is more than the density of cork.
- the density of water is less than the density of cork.
- the density of water is equal to the density of cork.
- the density of water plays no role in the floatation of cork.
Answer:
the density of water is more than the density of cork.
Reason — Bodies of density greater than that of the liquid sink in it, while bodies of average density equal to or smaller than that of the liquid float on it.
Sinking of an iron nail in water implies that :
- the density of nail is more than the density of water
- the density of nail is less than the density of water
- the density of nail is equal to the density of water
- the sinking of nail does not depend upon the density of water
Answer:
the density of nail is more than the density of water
Reason — Bodies of density greater than that of the liquid sink in it, while bodies of average density equal to or smaller than that of the liquid float on it.
Answer:
greater, smaller
Reason — Bodies of density greater than that of the liquid sink in it, while bodies of average density equal to or smaller than that of the liquid float on it.
Answer:
Turpentine
Reason — One of the factors affecting the upthrust is the density of the liquid in which the body is submerged. Lesser the density of the liquid, lesser is the upthrust experienced by a body. As amongst the given options turpentine has the least density, hence minimum upthrust will be offered by turpentine.
Exercise 5A Numericals
10 questionsAnswer:
(i) As we know,
Upthrust due to liquid = volume of the solid x density of fluid x acceleration due to gravity
Given,
Volume of the body = 100 cm3
Converting cm3 into m3
100 cm = 1 m
So, 100 cm x 100 cm x 100 cm = 1 m3
Hence, 100 cm3 =
Therefore, V = 10-4 m3
Weight of the body in air = 5 kgf
Density of the liquid = 1.8 x 103 kg m-3
Substituting the values in the formula above we get,
Upthrust = 10-4 x 1.8 x 103 x g = 0.18 kgf
Hence, the upthrust due to liquid = 0.18 kgf
(ii) weight of the body in liquid = weight of the body in air – upthrust
Substituting the values in the formula above, we get,
weight of the body in liquid = 5 kgf - 0.18 kgf = 4.82 kgf
Hence, weight of the body in liquid = 4.82 kgf
Answer:
(i) Volume of the body = density of water x loss in weight
density of water = 1 g cm-3
Given,
weight in air = 450 kgf
weight in water = 310 kgf
loss in weight = 450 – 310 = 140 gf
Substituting the values in the formula above, we get,
Volume of the body = 1 x 140 = 140 cm3
(ii) Loss in weight = 140 gf
(iii) Upthrust = loss in weight = 140 gf
Assumption in part (i) — density of water = 1.0 g cm-3
You are provided with a hollow iron ball A of volume 15 cm3 and mass 12 g and a solid iron ball B of mass 12 g. Both are placed on the surface of water contained in a large tub. (a) Find upthrust on each ball. (b) Which ball will sink ? Give reason for your answer. ( Density of iron = 8.0 g cm-3)
Answer:
(a) Upthrust due to liquid = volume of the solid x density of fluid x acceleration due to gravity [Equation 1]
Volume = [Equation 2]
Given,
Mass of ball A = 12 g
Mass of ball B = 12 g
Volume of the hollow iron ball A = 15 cm3
Density of iron = 8 g cm3
Substituting the values in equation 2, to find volume of solid iron ball B,
Volume of solid iron ball B = = 1.5 cm3
Substituting the values in equation 1 to get upthrust on hollow ball A
Upthrust on hollow ball A = 15 x 1 x g = 15 gf
Hence, Upthrust on hollow ball A = 15 gf
Substituting the values in equation 1 to get upthrust on solid iron ball B
Upthrust on solid iron ball B = 1.5 x 1 x g = 1.5 gf
Hence, Upthrust on solid iron ball B = 1.5 gf
(b) Solid iron ball B will sink.
Ball B experiences an upthrust of 1.5 gf in water that is less than it's weight of 12 gf. Hence ball B will sink. Ball A experiences an upthrust of 15 gf that is greater than it's weight of 12 gf. Hence it will float with its that much part submerged for which upthrust becomes equal to its weight of 12 gf.
Answer:
Upthrust = volume of the solid x density of fluid x acceleration due to gravity [Equation 1]
and
Volume = [Equation 2]
Given,
Density of the solid = 5000 kg m-3
Weight of the solid = 0.5 kgf
Density of water = 1000 kg m-3
Substituting the values in equation 2 to get volume
Volume = = 0.1 x 10-3
Substituting the values in the formula above we get,
Upthrust = 0.1 x 10-3 x 1000 x g = 0.1 kgf
apparent weight = true weight – upthrust
Substituting the values we get,
apparent weight = 0.5 - 0.1 = 0.4 kgf
Two spheres A and B, each of volume 100 cm3 are placed on water (density = 1.0 g cm-3). The sphere A is made of wood of density 0.3 g cm-3 and the sphere B is made of iron of density 8.9 g cm-3.
(a) Find (i) the weight of each sphere, and (ii) the upthrust on each sphere.
(b) Which sphere will float ? Give reason.
Answer:
(a)
(i) Weight of sphere = volume of sphere x density of iron x g [Equation 1]
Upthrust = volume of water displaced x density of water x g [Equation 2]
Given,
Density of water = 1 g cm-3
Density of sphere A = 0.3 g cm-3
Density of sphere B = 8.9 g cm-3
Volume of sphere A & B = 100 cm3
Substituting the values in the formula 1, we get weight of sphere A and B,
Weight of sphere A = 100 x 0.3 x g = 30 gf
Weight of sphere B = 100 x 8.9 x g = 890 gf
(ii) Substituting the values in the formula 2, we get upthrust on A and B,
Upthrust on sphere A = 100 x 1 x g = 100 gf
Upthrust on sphere B = 100 x 1 x g = 100 gf
(b) Sphere A will float.
The upthrust on sphere A is 100 gf which is more than its weight of 30 gf hence sphere A will float with its that much part submerged for which upthrust becomes equal to its weight of 30 gf. The upthrust on sphere B is also 100 gf but it is less than its weight of 890 gf hence sphere B will sink. In general, if the density of the body is less than the density of the liquid then it will float, and as the density of wood is lesser than the density of water hence sphere A floats.
The mass of a block made of a certain material is 13.5 kg and it's volume is 15 x 10-3 m3.
(a) Calculate upthrust on the block if it is held fully immersed in water.
(b) Will the block float or sink in water when released? Give reason for your answer.
(c) What will be the upthrust on block while floating? Take density of water = 1000 kg m-3.
Answer:
(a) Upthrust = volume of block x density of water x g
Given,
Mass of block = 13.5 kg
Volume of block = 15 x 10-3 m3
Density of water = 1000 kg m-3
Substituting the values in the formula above, we get, upthrust on block,
Upthrust on the block = 15 x 10-3 x 1000 x g = 15 kgf
(b) The upthrust on the block when fully immersed is 15 kgf which is more than its weight of 13.5 kgf hence the block will float in water when released.
(c) The block will float with its that much part submerged for which upthrust becomes equal to its weight of 13.5 kgf. Hence while floating, upthrust on the block will be 13.5 kgf.
Answer:
Given,
Weight of brass piece in air = 175 gf
Weight of the brass piece in water = 150 gf
Density of water = 1.0 g cm-3
(i) Upthrust on brass piece = volume of brass piece x density of water x g
and
Upthrust on brass piece = Loss in weight = 175 gf - 150 gf = 25 gf
∴ 25 x g = volume of brass piece x density of water x g
⇒ 25 x g = volume of brass piece x 1 x g
⇒ volume of brass piece = 25 cm3
(ii) The brass piece weighs lesser in water due to the upthrust.
The brass piece experiences an upward buoyant force that balances the true weight of the piece which is acting in the opposite direction.
Hence, the weight of the brass piece immersed in water appears less than the actual weight.
Answer:
Given,
Edges of cube = 5 cm
∴ Volume = 5 x 5 x 5 = 125 cm3
Density of metal = 9.0 g cm-3
Density of liquid = 1.2 g cm-3
Mass of the cube = volume of the cube x density of the cube
= 125 x 9
= 1125 g
Upthrust on cube = volume of the cube x density of the liquid x g
= 125 x 1.2 x g
= 150 gf
Tension in thread = Apparent weight of the cube in liquid
= true weight – upthrust
= 1125 - 150
= 975 kgf
= 9.75 N [∵ g = 10 ms-2]
Hence, tension in thread = 9.75 N
Answer:
Given,
g = 9.8 N kg-1
density of water = 1000 kg m3
dimensions of wooden block = 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm
= 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m [converting to metres]
Volume of wooden block = 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m = 0.125 m3
Buoyant force = volume of block x density of water x g
= 0.125 x 1000 x 9.8
= 1225 N
Answer:
Given,
Mass = 3.5 kg
Therefore, weight = 3.5 kgf
Volume of displaced water = 1000 cm3
(i) Volume of body = volume of the water displaced = 1000 cm3
Hence, the volume of body = 1000 cm3
(ii) Upthrust on body = volume of the body x density of water x g
= 1000 x 0.001 x g
= 1 kgf
(iii) The apparent weight of body in water = true weight – upthrust
= 3.5 - 1
= 2.5 kgf
Exercise 5A Short Answer Type
13 questionsAnswer:
Upthrust or buoyant force arises due to the differences in pressure acting on the submerged object. The fluid exerts pressure on all sides of the object, and the pressure is greater at greater depths. The pressure difference between the top and bottom of an object creates an upward force (i.e., upthrust) that opposes the weight of the object.
Upthrust acts on the body in upward direction at the centre of buoyancy (i.e., the centre of gravity of the displaced liquid).
Answer:
The upthrust has the following three characteristic properties:
- Larger the volume of a body submerged in a fluid, greater is the upthrust.
- For the same volume of a body inside a fluid, more the density of fluid, greater is the upthrust.
- The upthrust acts on the body in upward direction at the centre of buoyancy i.e., the centre of gravity of the displaced fluid.
Answer:
When a piece of wood is left under water, two forces act on it, (i) it's weight (i.e., the force due to gravity) W which pulls it downwards, and (ii) the upthrust FB due to water which pushes the wood upwards. The piece of wood comes to the surface because upthrust on the wood is more than the weight of the wood (i.e.,FB > W ).
Answer:
A body weighs more in vacuum than in air when weighed with a spring balance because an upthrust acts on the body in air due to which it appears lighter than it's actual weight.
Answer:
When a metal solid cylinder tied to a thread, hanging from the hook of a spring balance is gradually immersed into water contained in a jar, then it is observed that the readings on the spring balance decrease.
This loss of weight is due to the upthrust (or buoyant force) of water on the cylinder, hence the reading decreases and the cylinder appears to be lighter.
Answer:
The factors on which upthrust on the body depends are —
- Volume of the body immersed in the liquid (fluid), and
- Density of the liquid (fluid) in which the body is submerged.
Answer:
When a bunch of feathers and a stone of same mass are allowed to fall in air, the stone falls faster than the bunch of feathers.
The reason is that upthrust due to air on stone is less than that on the bunch of feathers because the volume of stone is less than that of the bunch of feathers of same mass.
If they both are released simultaneously in vacuum, they will fall together because there will be no upthrust.
Answer:
When we place a small block of wood in water and another identical block of wood in glycerine, we notice that both the blocks float but the volume of block immersed in glycerine is smaller as compared to the volume of block immersed in water.
The reason is that the density of glycerine is more than that of water and so it exerts more buoyant force and hence, less part of block is immersed.
Answer:
When a sphere of iron and wood are placed in water then the sphere of iron will sink.
The reason is that ρiron > ρwater, so the weight of iron sphere will be more than upthrust due to water on it. But ρwood < ρwater, so sphere of wood will float will it's that much volume submerged inside water by which upthrust due to water on it balances it's weight.
Answer:
It is easier to lift a heavy stone under water than in air because due to the effect of upthrust, the stone experiences an upward buoyant force that balances the true weight of the stone which is acting in the opposite direction.
Hence, the weight of the stone immersed in water appears less than the actual weight.
Exercise 5A Very Short Answer Type
9 questionsAnswer:
The upthrust in sea water (F2) is more than the upthrust in river water (F1). Hence, F2 > F1.
As we know that the sea water is denser than river water, and if the density of the liquid is more it exerts more buoyant force. Hence, the body in sea water will experience more upthrust than in river water.
A body of volume V and density ρ is kept completely immersed in a liquid of density ρL . If g is the acceleration due to gravity, write expressions for the following —
(i) The weight of the body,
(ii) The upthrust on the body,
(iii) The apparent weight of the body in liquid,
(iv) The loss in weight of the body.
Answer:
Given,
volume = V
density = ρ
density of liquid = ρL
acceleration due to gravity = g
(i) The weight of the body, acting downwards = V ρ g
(ii) The upthrust on the body, acting upwards = V ρL g
(iii) The apparent weight of the body in liquid = V(ρ - ρL)g
(iv) The loss in weight of the body = V ρL g
Complete the following sentences —
(a) Two balls, one of iron and the other of aluminum experience the same upthrust when dipped completely in water if ............... .
(b) An empty tin container with it's mouth closed has an average density equal to that of a liquid. The container is taken 2m below the surface of that liquid and is left there. Then the container will ............... .
(c) A piece of wood is held under water. The upthrust on it will be ............... the weight of the wood piece.
Answer:
(a) Two balls, one of iron and the other of aluminum experience the same upthrust when dipped completely in water if both have equal volumes.
(b) An empty tin container with it's mouth closed has an average density equal to that of a liquid. The container is taken 2m below the surface of that liquid and is left there. Then the container will remain at the same position.
(c) A piece of wood is held under water. The upthrust on it will be more than the weight of the wood piece.
Answer:
Let density of water be ρw
Since radius of both spheres are same hence their volume will be equal.
Let volume of iron sphere = volume of wood sphere = V
Upthrust on Iron sphere = Upthrustiron = Vρwg
Upthrust on Wood sphere = Upthrustwood = Vρwg
∵ Volume of iron sphere and volume of wood sphere is same hence, upthrust by water acting on both the spheres is same.
Comparing the upthrust on the two spheres:
∴ Upthrustiron : Upthrustwood = 1 : 1
Answer:
(i) When a body is immersed in a liquid such that density of the body is lower than or equal to the density of the liquid then it will float, (i.e.,when ρ ≤ ρL)
(ii) When a body is immersed in a liquid such that density of the body is greater than the density of the liquid then it will sink, (i.e., when ρ > ρL)
Exercise 5B Long Answer Type
3 questionsAnswer:
Relative density of a solid denser than water and insoluble in it

Procedure —
(i) Suspend a piece of the given solid with a thread from hook of the left pan of a physical balance and find it's weight W1.
(ii) Now balance a wooden bridge over the left pan of balance and place a beaker nearly two-third filled with water on the bridge. Take care that the bridge and beaker do not touch the pan of balance,
(iii) Immerse the solid completely in water such that it does not touch the walls and bottom of beaker and find the weight W2 of solid in water.
Observation —
Weight of solid in air = W1 gf
Weight of solid in water= W2 gf
Calculation —
Loss in weight of solid when immersed in water = (W1 - W2) gf
or
Relative density of a solid denser than water and soluble in it —
Procedure —
If solid is soluble in water, instead of water, we take a liquid of known relative density in which solid in insoluble and it sinks in that liquid. Then the process described above is repeated. Now
Answer:
By definition, relative density of a liquid is given as —
By Archimedes' Principle if a solid is immersed in a liquid or water, it displaces the liquid or water equal to it's volume. Therefore, above equation takes the form —
Thus, to find the relative density of a liquid using Archimedes' Principle, we take a body which is heavier than both the given liquid and water and also insoluble in both. The body is first weighed in air, then in liquid and then after washing it with water and drying, it is weighed in water. If the weight of the body in air is W1 gf, in liquid is W2 gf and in water is W3 gf, then from above we get,
Answer:
Given,
Weight of the body in air = W1 gf
Weight of the body in liquid = W2 gf
Weight of the body in water = W3 gf
(i) Let V be the volume of the body.
Upthrust due to water = loss in weight when immersed in water = (W1 - W3) gf ...[Eq 1]
Weight of water displaced = Volume of water displaced x density of water x g
Volume of water displaced = Volume of the body = V
Density of water = 1 g cm-3
∴ Weight of water displaced = V x 1 x g = V gf ...[Eq 2]
But weight of water displaced is equal to upthrust due to water
∴ From eqns 1 & 2,
V = (W1 - W3) cm3
∴ Volume of the body = V = (W1 - W3) cm3
(ii) Upthrust due to liquid = loss in weight when immersed in liquid = (W1 - W2) gf
(iii) Relative density of the solid
(iv) Relative density of the liquid
Exercise 5B Multiple Choice Type
8 questionsAnswer:
decreases with an increase in temperature
Reason — Most of the substances expand on heating and contract on cooling, but their mass remains unchanged. Therefore, density of most of the substances decreases with the increase in temperature and increases with the decrease in temperature.
Answer:
7800 kg/m3
Reason —
Density = = g/cm3
Converting g cm-3 into kg m-3,
We know, 1 g = 10-3 kg
1 cm = 10-2 m
1 cm3 = 10-6 m3
Therefore,
7.8
= 7.8
= 7.8
= 7.8 x 1000 kg m-3
Hence,
7.8 g/cm3 = 7800 kg/m3
Answer:
4, 1000
Reason — Due to anomalous expansion of water, when cooled it first contracts in volume but below 4°C, it starts expanding and continues to do so till the temperature reaches 0°C, the point at which it freezes into ice. Thus, The density of water is maximum at 4°C and is 1000 kg/m3.
Answer:
Water
Reason — Relative density of a substance is also defined as the ratio of the mass of a certain volume of a substance to the mass of an equal volume of water at 4°C.
Answer:
R.D. =
Reason — In C.G.S. system, density of water at 4°C is 1 g cm-3, so the relative density of a substance is equal to the numerical value of density of that substance.
Thus, R.D. =
Exercise 5B Numericals
16 questionsAnswer:
Given,
relative density of mercury = 13.6
(i) In C.G.S. unit,
R.D. =
Substituting the values we get,
13.6 =
Density of substance in g cm-3 = (13.6) x (1.0) g cm-3
Therefore,
Density of mercury in C.G.S. unit = 13.6 g cm-3
(ii) In S.I. unit,
R.D. =
Substituting the values we get,
13.6 =
Density of substance in kg m-3 = (13.6) x (1000) kg m-3
Therefore,
Density of mercury in S.I. unit = 13.6 x 103 kg m-3
Answer:
As we know,
Mass = density x volume
Given,
volume = 2 m3
R.D. is 0.52
Now,
R.D. =
Substituting the values in the formula for R.D. we get,
0.52 =
Therefore,
Density of body = 0.52 x 103 kg m-3
Substituting the values in the formula for mass, we get,
Therefore, mass of body = 1040 kg
Answer:
Given,
Density of air = 1.3 kg m-3
Dimensions of room = 4.5 m x 3.5 m x 2.5 m
∴ Volume of room = 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 = 39.375 m3
Mass = density x volume
= 1.3 x 39.375
= 51.1875 kg
Therefore, mass of body = 51.1875 kg ≈ 51.19 kg
Answer:
Given,
Mass of stone = 113 g
Rise in the level of water is equivalent to the volume occupied by the stone
Rise in water level = 40 ml – 30 ml = 10 ml
∴ Volume occupied by the stone = 10 cm3
Therefore, density of stone = 11.3 g cm-3
Hence,
Relative density of stone = 11.3
Answer:
Given,
Volume of body = 100 cm3
Weight of the body in air (W1) = 1 kgf = 1000 gf
Let weight of the body in water be W2
Hence,
Density of body = 10 g cm-3
Therefore,
Relative Density of body = 10
Hence,
(i) Weight in water = 900 gf
(ii) Relative density of body = 10
Answer:
Given,
Mass of body = 70 kg
Volume of water displaced = 20,000 cm3
Converting cm3 to m3, we get,
100 cm = 1m
100 cm x 100 cm x 100 cm = 1 m3
Therefore, 20,000 cm3 = x 20,000 = 0.02 m3
Hence, volume of water displaced = 0.02 m3
(i) Mass of body immersed in water = mass of the water displaced = volume of water displaced x density of water
= 0.02 x 1000
= 20 kg
Weight of the body = mg = 70 x g = 70 kgf
Weight of water displaced = mg = 20 x g = 20 kgf
Weight of body in water = weight of body in air - upthrust due to liquid
= 70 kgf - 20 kgf [∵ upthrust is equal to weight of water displaced]
= 50 kgf
(ii) Formula for density is:
Therefore,
Relative density of body = 3.5
Answer:
Given,
Weight of the solid in air (W1) = 120 gf
Weight of the solid when completely immersed in water (W2) = 105 gf
∴ Relative density of solid = 8
Answer:
Given,
Weight of the solid in air (W1) = 32 gf
Weight of the solid immersed completely in water (W2) = 28.8 gf
Hence, volume of solid = 3.2 cm3
Let weight of solid in liquid of density 0.9 g cm-3 be W.
Substituting the values in the formula for relative density of solid :
Summarizing the answers:
(i) Volume of solid = 3.2 cm3
(ii) Relative density of solid = 10
(iii) Weight of solid in a liquid of density 0.9 g cm-3 = 29.12 gf
A jeweller claims that he makes ornament of pure gold of relative density 19.3. He sells a bangle weighing 25.25 gf to a person. The clever customer weighs the bangle when immersed in water and finds that it weighs 23.075 gf in water. With the help of suitable calculations find out whether the ornament is made of pure gold or not.
[Hint — Calculate R.D of material of bangle which comes out to be 11.6]
Answer:
Given,
Relative density of pure gold = 19.3
Weight of the bangle in air (W1) = 25.25 gf
Weight of the bangle in water (W2) = 23.075 gf
It is given that relative density of gold is 19.3 where as relative density of bangle is 11.6.
Hence, we can deduce that the bangle is not made of pure gold.
Answer:
Given,
Weight of the solid in air (W1) = 44.5 gf
Density of the iron = 8.9 x 103 kg m-3
From relation,
Hence,
Weight of iron piece when immersed in water = 39.5 gm
A piece of stone of mass 15.1 g is first immersed in a liquid and it weighs 10.9 gf. Then on immersing the piece of stone in water, it weighs 9.7 gf. Calculate —
(a) the weight of the piece of stone in air,
(b) the volume of the piece of stone,
(c) the relative density of stone,
(d) the relative density of the liquid.
Answer:
Given,
Mass of the stone = 15.1 g
(a) Weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity
= 15.1 x g
= 15.1 gf
Hence,
Weight of the piece of stone in air (W1) = 15.1 gf
(b) W1 = 15.1 gf
Weight of the stone when immersed in water(W3) = 9.7 gf
Upthrust on the stone = loss in weight when immersed in water
= Weight in air (W1) - Weight in water (W3)
= 15.1 – 9.7
= 5.4 gf
Let volume of the piece of stone be V.
From the relation, Upthrust on stone = volume of stone x density of water x acceleration due to gravity
5.4 x g = V x 1 x g
⇒ V = 5.4 cm3
∴ Volume of piece of stone = 5.4 cm3
(c) From the relation,
Hence,
Relative density of stone = 2.8
(d) From the relation,
where,
W1 is the weight of piece of stone in air,
W2 is the weight of piece of stone in liquid,
W3 is the weight of piece of stone in water
Substituting the values in the formula above we get,
Hence,
the relative density of the liquid = 0.777 = 0.78
Exercise 5B Short Answer Type
4 questionsAnswer:
Density | Relative density |
---|---|
Density of a substance is the mass per unit volume of that substance. | Relative density of a substance is the ratio of density of that substance to the density of water at 4°C. |
It is expressed in g cm-3 or kg m-3. | It has no unit. |
Exercise 5B Very Short Answer Type
9 questionsAnswer:
The parameters are affected in the following ways —
(i) Mass — It remains unchanged with increase in temperature.
(ii) Volume — It increases with an increase in the temperature.
(iii) Density — Most of the substances expand on heating and contract on cooling, but their mass remains unchanged. Therefore, density of most of the substances decreases with the increase in temperature.
Answer:
(i) Mass = volume x density
(ii) S.I. unit of density is kg m-3
(iii) Density of water is 1000 kg m-3
(iv) Density in kg m-3 = 1000 x density in g cm-3
Answer:
Given,
Weight of body in air = W
Weight of body in water = W1
(i) Let V be the volume of the body.
Upthrust = loss in weight when immersed in water = (W - W1) gf ...[Eq 1]
Weight of water displaced = Volume of water displaced x density of water x g
Volume of water displaced = Volume of the body = V
Density of water = 1 g cm-3
∴ Weight of water displaced = V x 1 x g = V gf ...[Eq 2]
But weight of water displaced is equal to upthrust
∴ From eqns 1 & 2,
V = (W - W1) cm3
∴ Volume of the body = V = (W - W1) cm3
(ii) Upthrust = loss in weight when immersed in water = (W - W1) gf
(iii) Relative density of the material of the body
=
=
Exercise 5C Assertion Reason Type
4 questionsAssertion (A) : A body when weighed by a spring balance, weighs slightly less in air than in vacuum.
Reason (R) : This is so because of upthrust of air on body.
- both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
- assertion is false but reason is true
- assertion is true but reason is false
Answer:
both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation
Assertion (A) is true because in air, there is a buoyant force (upthrust) acting upward on the object, which reduces the apparent weight. In a vacuum, there is no upthrust, so the object shows its true weight.
Reason (R) is true because the upthrust from the surrounding air causes the body to appear lighter in air than in vacuum and hence Reason explains the Assertion.
Assertion (A) : A bucket filled with water is heavier till it is immersed in water in well.
Reason (R) : The effect of upthrust is that the weight of body immersed in liquid appears to be lighter than its actual weight.
- both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
- assertion is false but reason is true
- assertion is true but reason is false
Answer:
assertion is false but reason is true
Explanation
Assertion (A) is false because when a bucket is lowered into a well, as it gets immersed in the water, it experiences an upward buoyant force (upthrust) which reduces its apparent weight, so the bucket feels lighter till it is immersed in water in well and once it is taken outside the water it gets heavier due to absence of upthrust.
Reason (R) is true because this is the definition of buoyancy which states that the upthrust reduces the apparent weight of the object in the fluid.
Assertion (A) : An iron nail sinks in water, but floats in mercury.
Reason (R) : The density of iron is equal to density of mercury but greater than water.
- both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
- assertion is false but reason is true
- assertion is true but reason is false
Answer:
assertion is true but reason is false
Explanation
Assertion (A) is true because iron is denser than water, so it sinks in water and mercury is denser than iron, so iron floats in mercury.
Reason (R) is false because density of iron is not equal to mercury and is lower than mercury.
Assertion (A) : A loaded ship is submerged more while an unloaded ship is less submerged.
Reason (R) : A loaded ship displaces more water in comparison to an unloaded ship in order to float.
- both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
- assertion is false but reason is true
- assertion is true but reason is false
Answer:
both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation
Assertion (A) is true because a loaded ship has more weight, so it sinks deeper to displace more water for buoyancy but an unloaded ship is lighter and floats higher.
Reason (R) is true because according to Archimedes’ principle, the volume of water displaced equals the weight of the ship. So, a heavier (loaded) ship must displace more water to float. So here Reason justifies the Assertion.
Exercise 5C Long Answer Type
9 questionsA body is held immersed in a liquid. (i) Name the two forces acting on body and draw a diagram to show these forces. (ii) State how do the magnitudes of two forces mentioned in part (i) determine whether the body will float or sink in liquid when it is released. (iii) What is the net force on body if it (a) sinks, (b) floats?
Answer:
(i) The two forces that act on the body immersed in liquid are —
The weight W of the body acting vertically downwards, through the centre of gravity G of the body. This force has a tendency to sink the body.
The upthrust FB of the liquid acting vertically upwards, through the centre of buoyancy B i.e., the centre of gravity of the displaced liquid. This force has a tendency to make the body float.

(ii) Depending upon whether the maximum upthrust F'B is less than, equal to or greater than the weight W, the body will either sink or float in liquid.
- When W > F'B i.e., the weight of the body is greater than the weight of the displaced liquid then the body will sink.
- When W = F'B i.e., the weight of the body is equal to the weight of the displaced liquid then the body will float just below the surface of liquid.
- When W < F'B i.e., the weight of the body is less than the weight of the displaced liquid the body will float partially submerged in the liquid. Only that much portion of the body gets submerged by which the weight of displaced liquid becomes equal to the weight of the body.
(iii) The net force on the body if it sinks/floats is as follows:
- In the case when the body sinks, the net force acting on the body is the weight of the body itself.
- In the case when the body floats, the net force acting on the body is the upthrust due to the liquid.
Answer:
Below diagram shows the forces acting on a body floating in water with it's some part submerged:

The forces acting on the body are —
(i) The weight W of body acting vertically downwards, through the centre of gravity G of the body. This force has a tendency to sink the body.
(ii) The upthrust FB of the liquid acting vertically upwards, through the centre of buoyancy B i.e., the centre of gravity of the displaced liquid. This force has a tendency to make the body float.
The weight of the water displaced by the floating body is equal to the weight of the floating body.
Answer:
Given,
Volume of body = V
Volume of body submerged in liquid = v
Density of body = ρs
Density of liquid = ρL
Let weight of the body be W. W = volume of the body x density of the body x g = V ρs g
Weight of liquid displaced by the body will be equal to upthrust. Let it be FB.
FB = volume of the liquid displaced x density of the liquid x g = v ρL g
From principle of floatation,
W = FB
⇒ V ρs g = v ρL g
⇒ =
Hence proved.
Answer:
Icebergs being lighter than water, float on water with their major part (nearly 90%) inside water and only a small portion (say 10%) outside water. Since, the portion of iceberg inside water surface depends on the density of sea water, therefore, for the driver of ship, it becomes difficult to estimate the size of iceberg. Thus, an iceberg is very dangerous for a ship as it may collide with the ship and cause damage.
Answer:
A strong salt solution is denser than fresh water (i.e. density of strong salt solution is more than that of fresh water), hence it will exert more upthrust on the egg that balances the weight of the egg. Therefore, the egg floats in strong salt solution and sinks in fresh water.
Answer:
When a light gas like hydrogen (density much less than that of air) is filled in a balloon, the weight of air displaced by the inflated balloon (i.e., upthrust) becomes more than weight of the gas filled and it rises up.
However, reverse happens when the balloon is filled with a heavier gas like carbon dioxide (i.e., the weight of air displaced by the inflated balloon (i.e., upthrust) becomes less than weight of the gas filled and hence, the balloon sinks to the bottom.)
Answer:
As a ship in harbour is being unloaded, it slowly rises higher in water because the weight of the ship decreases and it displaces less water and therefore, the ship rises in water till the weight of water displaced balances the weight of unloaded ship.
Answer:
A balloon filled with hydrogen rises to a certain height and then stops rising further, because the density of air decreases with altitude. Therefore, as the balloon gradually goes up, the weight of the displaced air (i.e., upthrust) decreases. It keeps on rising as long as the upthrust on it exceeds it's weight. When upthrust becomes equal to its weight, it stops rising further.
Answer:
The ship begins to submerge more as it sails from sea water to river water. The water of river is of low density than that of a sea. Therefore, when a loaded cargo ship sails from sea water to river water, it sinks further. The reason is that according to the law of floatation, to balance the weight of ship, a greater volume of water is required to be displaced in water of lower density i.e., river.
Exercise 5C Multiple Choice Type
15 questionsAnswer:
completely immersed inside the liquid
Reason — As FB = volume of submerged part of body x density of liquid x g
Hence, FB will be maximum when the body is completely immersed inside the liquid.
Answer:
W < F'B
Reason — When a body weighing W floats partially above and partially below the liquid, it implies that the weight of the body is less than the maximum upthrust experienced by it when fully immersed inside the liquid. Hence, W < F'B.
Answer:
zero
Reason — When W = FB i.e., the weight of the body is equal to the weight of the displaced liquid then the body will float and the apparent weight is equal to zero.
Answer:
=
Reason —
Given,
Volume of body = V
Volume of body submerged in liquid = v
Density of body = ρs
Density of liquid = ρL
Let weight of the body be W.
W = volume of the body x density of the body x g = V ρs g
Weight of liquid displaced by the body will be equal to upthrust. Let it be FB.
FB = volume of the liquid displaced x density of the liquid x g = v ρL g
From principle of floatation,
W = FB
⇒ V ρs g = v ρL g
⇒ =
Hence proved.
Answer:
ρ1 > ρ2
Reason — Density of liquid A ( ρ1) is greater than the density of liquid B ( ρ2) as the body is partially immersed in liquid A whereas it is fully immersed in liquid B.
Answer:
Plimsoll line
Reason — Plimsoll line indicates the safe limit for loading the ship in water of density 103 kg m-3. A ship is not allowed to load further if its plimsoll line starts touching the water level, so that when it sails in sea water of density more than 103 kg m-3, only the part of it below the plimsoll line remains submerged in water.
Which of the following statements is correct ?
(i) A loaded ship is submerged more while an unloaded ship is submerged less.
(ii) A ship begins to be less submerged as it sails from sea water to river water.
- only (i)
- only (ii)
- both (i) and (ii)
- both are incorrect
Answer:
only (i)
Reason — A loaded ship is submerged more while an unloaded ship is submerged less because loaded ship has more weight and exerts more force vertically downwards.
A ship begins to be submerged more as it sails from sea water to river water. The water of a river is of low density than that of a sea. Therefore, a ship sails from sea water to river water, it sinks further. The reason is that according to the law of floatation, to balance the weight of ship, a greater volume of water is required to be displaced in water of lower density in river.
Answer:
lower, stable
Reason — An unloaded ship floats with very small volume inside water. As a result, its centre of gravity is higher and its equilibrium is unstable. There is a danger that it may get blown over on its side by strong winds. Therefore, an unloaded ship is filled with sand (or stones), called ballast, at its bottom. This lowers its centre of gravity to make its equilibrium stable.
Answer:
the density of sea water is more than that of river water
Reason — It is easier to swim in sea water because the density of sea water is more than that of the river water, so our weight is balanced in sea water with less part of the body submerged inside it.
Answer:
filled with water, greater
Reason — If a submarine is to dive, its ballast tanks are, filled with water so that the average density of the submarine becomes greater than the density of sea water
Answer:
larger, smaller
Reason — As ice bergs are lighter than water, they float on the surface of water with their larger portion inside the water surface and smaller portion above the water surface.
Answer:
the density of air decreases with altitude
Reason — A balloon does not rise indefinitely because the density of air decreases with altitude. Therefore, as the balloon gradually goes up, the weight of the displaced air decreases. It keeps on rising as long as the upthrust on it exceeds its weight. When upthrust becomes equal to its weight, it stops rising further.
Answer:
increases, decreases
Reason — When a fish has to rise up in water, it diffuses oxygen gas from its blood into the bladder, so its volume increases and its average density decreases
This increases the volume of water displaced by the fish and so the upthrust on the fish increases due to which it rises up.
A ball is made of a material of density ρ, where ρoil < ρ < ρwater with ρoil and ρwater represent the densities of oil and water respectively. The oil and water are immiscible. If the above ball is in equilibrium in a mixture of this oil and water, the figure which represents the equilibrium position is :
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-exc-5c-icse-9-phy-concise.png)
-exc-5c-icse-9-phy-concise.png)
-exc-5c-icse-9-phy-concise.png)
Answer:
-exc-5c-icse-9-phy-concise.png)
option 2
Reason —
Given,
Density of oil : ρoil
Density of ball : ρ
Density of water : ρwater
And the relation : ρoil < ρ < ρwater
This means :
(a) The ball is denser than oil, so it will sink in oil.
(b) The ball is less dense than water, so it will float in water.
Since oil and water are immiscible, they form two distinct layers — oil on top and water below. So, the ball will sink through the oil (because it is denser than oil) and partially float in the water (since it is less dense than water).
Therefore, it will come to rest at the oil-water interface, partially submerged in both fluids.
A student is given three liquids A, B and C of densities ρ1, ρ2 and ρ3. He has to arrange these liquids in order of their increasing densities. To do so, he takes an object and dips it in each liquid and observes that the object floats with 1/9, 2/11 and 3/7 parts of its volume outside the surface of liquid A, B and C respectively. The correct order is :
- ρ1 > ρ2 > ρ3
- ρ2 > ρ3 > ρ1
- ρ3 > ρ2 > ρ1
- ρ3 > ρ1 > ρ2
Answer:
ρ3 > ρ2 > ρ1
Reason
Given,
An object is floating in three liquids A, B, and C and the fraction of volume outside the liquid is :
A : outside ⇒ submerged
B : outside ⇒ submerged
C : outside ⇒ submerged
Making the denominator common for all the submerged fractions:
LCM of 9, 11, 7 = 693
A : = =
B : = =
C : = =
For a floating object :
Since the object is the same in all three cases then submerged fraction is inversely proportional to density of liquid i.e., less submerged volume → greater liquid density and vice versa.
On comparing submerged fractions:
C : < B : < A :
So, the order of density of liquids is : ρ3 > ρ2 > ρ1
Exercise 5C Numericals
9 questionsAnswer:
Let,
V = total volume of rubber ball
ρ = density of the rubber ball
Given,
rd of V is outside water
Therefore, volume inside water
= V - V
= V
By the principle of flotation,
Weight of ball = Weight of water displaced by the immersed part of the ball.
and density of water = 1000 kg m-3
i.e., V x ρ x g = V x 1000 x g
Hence,
ρ = = 667 kg m-3
Hence,
Density of rubber = 667 kg m-3
Answer:
(a) Given,
Mass = 24 kg
Volume = 0.032 m3
Upthrust = Volume of block below the water x density of liquid x acceleration due to gravity
Hence,
Hence, volume of block below the surface of water = 0.024 m3
(b) By the principle of floatation,
and
Density of water = 1000 kg m-3
Substituting the values in the formula we get,
Answer:
Given,
Side of wooden cube = 10 cm
Hence,
Volume of wooden cube = 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm = 1000 cm3
Mass = 700 g
By the principle of floatation,
Density of water = 1 g cm-3
Density of wooden cube = 0.7 g cm-3
Hence, fraction submerged = 0.7
Height of wooden cube = 10 cm
Part of woden cube which is submerged = 10 x 0.7 = 7 cm
Therefore, part above water = 10 - 7 = 3 cm
Hence, 3 cm of height of wooden cube remains above water while floating.
Answer:
Given,
Density of wax = 0.95 g cm-3
Density of brine = 1.1 g cm-3
By the principle of floatation,
Hence, the piece of wax floats with 0.86th part of it's volume immersed in brine surface.
Answer:
Given,
Density of ice = 0.9 g cm-3
Density of sea water = 1.1 g cm-3
By the principle of floatation,
Hence, the volume of iceberg that will remain below the surface of water in the sea = th of total volume (or 0.818th) part.
Answer:
Given,
Height of the wood = 15 cm
Height of the wood in water = 10 cm
Height of the wood in spirit = 12 cm
As the block of wood is of uniform cross-sectional area, the height of the block is proportional to the volume
By the principle of floatation,
In the case of spirit, substituting the values in the formula above, we get,
Answer:
(a) Let volume of wooden block be V.
Volume of block submerged in water =
Density of water = 1000 kg m-3
By the principle of floatation,
(b) Volume of block submerged in oil =
By the principle of floatation,
Answer:
Given,
Density of ice = 0.92 g cm-3
Density of sea water = 1.025 g cm-3
Let total volume of iceberg be V cm3
Volume of iceberg above sea water = 800 cm3
Volume of iceberg immersed in sea water = (V - 800) cm3
By the principle of floatation,
Hence,
Total volume of iceberg = 7809.52 cm3
A weather forecasting plastic balloon of volume 15 m3 contains hydrogen of density 0.09 kg m-3. The volume of an equipment carried by the balloon is negligible compared to it's own volume. The mass of empty balloon alone is 7.15 kg. The balloon is floating in air of density 1.3 kg m-3. Calculate : (i) the mass of hydrogen in the balloon, (ii) the mass of hydrogen and balloon, (iii) the total mass of hydrogen, balloon and equipment if the mass of equipment is x kg, (iv) the mass of air displaced by balloon and (v) the mass of equipment using the law of floatation.
Answer:
Given,
Volume of the plastic balloon = 15 m3
Density of hydrogen = 0.09 kg m-3
Mass of the unfilled balloon = 7.15 kg
Density of air = 1.3 kg m-3
(i) As we know,
Mass = volume of balloon x density of hydrogen
Substituting the value in the formula we get,
15 x 0.09 = 1.35 kg
Hence, mass of hydrogen in the balloon = 1.35 kg
(ii) Mass of hydrogen and balloon = mass of hydrogen in the balloon + mass of unfilled balloon = 7.15 + 1.35 = 8.5 kg
Hence, mass of hydrogen and balloon = 8.5 kg
(iii) Given,
mass of equipment = x kg
Hence,
Total mass of hydrogen, balloon and equipment = (8.5 + x) kg
(iv) Weight of the air displaced = upthrust = Volume of the balloon x density of the balloon x g
Hence,
Mass of the air displaced = volume of balloon x density of air = 15 x 1.3 = 19.5 kg
(v) By law of floatation,
Mass of the air displaced = total mass of hydrogen, balloon and equipment
Substituting the values in the formula we get,
Hence, mass of the equipment = 11 kg
Exercise 5C Short Answer Type
11 questionsAnswer:
(a) When a solid iron ball of mass 500 g is dropped in mercury contained in a beaker, the ball will float because the density of iron ball is less than the density of mercury.
(b) The apparent weight of the ball is zero because while floating upthrust is equal to the weight of the body.
Answer:
Iron nail floats on mercury because the density of iron is less than that of mercury but it sinks in water because the density of iron is more than the density of water.
Answer:
(a) When a homogenous block floats on water with it's body partly immersed then centre of buoyancy B will lie vertically below centre of gravity, G.

(b) When a homogenous block floats on water with it's body completely immersed then centre of buoyancy B will coincide with centre of gravity, G.

Answer:
The liquid C has highest density.
The upthrust on the body by each liquid is the same and it is equal to the weight of body.
But. upthrust = volume submerged x ρL x g.
For liquid C, since volume submerged is least, so density ρ3 must be maximum.
Answer:
Centre of buoyancy B, is the centre of gravity of the displaced liquid.
The centre of buoyancy B, and centre of gravity G, will coincide if the body is fully immersed in the liquid.

In the case when the body is partially above and partially below the surface of liquid, the centre of buoyancy B is vertically below the centre of gravity G.

Answer:
When air from jar is pumped out the balloon will sink.
As air from jar is pumped out, the density of air in jar decreases, so upthrust on balloon decreases, hence the weight of balloon exceeds the upthrust on it and the balloon sinks.
Answer:
(a) The block floats with some part outside water when salt is added to the water.
On adding some salt to water, the density of water increases, so upthrust on block of wood increases and hence the block rises up till the weight of salty water displaced by the submerged part of the block becomes equal to the weight of block.
(b) When the water is heated, the block sinks.
On heating the water, the density of water decreases, so upthrust on block decreases and weight of block exceeds the upthrust due to which it sinks.
Answer:
(i) In each case the weight of water displaced will be equal to the weight of the man.
Hence, the ratio weights of sea water and river water displaced by him will be 1:1.
(ii) The man finds it easier to swim in sea water because the density of sea water is more than that of the river water, so his weight is balanced in sea water with his less part submerged inside it.
Answer:
An iron nail sinks in water because the density of iron is greater than the density of water, so the weight of the nail is more than the upthrust of water on it.
On the other hand, the ship is hollow and the empty space in it contains air which makes it volume large and average density less than that of water. Therefore, even with a small portion of ship submerged in water, the weight of water displaced by the submerged part of ship becomes equal to the total weight of ship and therefore, it floats.
Answer:
The ship begins to submerge more as it sails from sea water to river water.
The water of a river is of low density than that of a sea. Therefore, when a loaded cargo ship sails from sea water to river water, it sinks further. The reason is that according to the law of floatation, to balance the weight of ship, a greater volume of water is required to be displaced in water of lower density in river.
Exercise 5C Very Short Answer Type
8 questionsWhen a piece of wood is suspended from the hook of a spring balance, it reads 70 gf. The wood is now lowered into water. What reading do you expect on the scale of spring balance?
[Hint: The piece of wood will float on water and while floating, apparent weight = 0].
Answer:
The piece of the wood will float on water and while floating, apparent weight is zero. Hence, the reading on the scale of spring balance will be zero.
Answer:
According to law of flotation, a body will float in a fluid if it has less density than the fluid. So, in order for the ship to float, its average density must be less than the density of water.
Answer:
(a) Ice will have more volume submerged inside water, because density of ice is more than the density of wood and we know that the body with higher density will have more volume submerged in water.
(b) Ice will have more volume submerged inside water and hence it will experience greater upthrust than the piece of wood. This is so because the upthrust is always equal to the volume of water displaced by the submerged part of the body and ice will displace more water than the piece of wood.
Answer:
When a floating piece of ice melts into water, it contracts by the volume equal to the volume of ice piece above the water surface while floating on it. Hence, the level of water does not change when the ice floating on it melts.
Answer:
The three forces that keep the buoy in equilibrium are —
- Weight of buoy acting in vertically downward direction.
- Upthrust of water on buoy acting in vertically upward direction.
- Tension in thread acting in vertically downward direction.