Floatation

i)When a golf ball is lowered into a measuring cylinder containing water, the water
level rises by 40 cm3when the ball is completely submerged. If the mass of ball in air
is 44 g, calculate its density.
ii) A 1/2 kg sheet of tin sinks in water but, if the same sheet is converted into a boat
or a box, it floats. Give reason.
(i)Given, mass of ball, m = 44 g
Volume, V = 40 cm3cm3
Density = m/V = 44/40 = 1.1 g cm3cm3
(ii) The density of tin is higher than that of water, so the sheet of tin sinks in water.
But when the same sheet of tin is converted into a boat or box, a lot of air is trapped
in the boat or box. Then, the average density of boat or box made of tin sheet
becomes lower than that of water. Therefore, it floats in water

(i)Define relative density. Give its mathematical form.

(ii)The mass of an iron cube having an edge length 1.5 cm is 50 g. Find its density.
(iii)The volume of a 250g sealed tin is 400 cubic cm. Find the density of the tin in
g cc1. State, if the object would sink or float in water.
The relative density of a substance is the ratio of its density to that of water.
Relative velocity of substance = Density of substance / Density of Water
In other words, Relative density of substance = Mass of substance / Volume of the
substance x Volume of water / Mass of water
(ii)Given that , mass of the cube = 50 g
Side of the cube = 1.5 cm
Volume of the cube = 1.53 cm3 =3.375 cm3
Density = Mass / Volume = 50/ 3.375 = 14.81 cm3
(iii) Given that , mass ,m =250g
Volume, V = 400cc
Density = Mass / Volume = 250/400 = 0.625 g cc1

As we know that, density of water = 1 g cc1. So, density of tin is less than that of
water and hence tin will float.

i)Define thrust and pressure.

(ii)Give the mathematical formula that relates thrust and pressure.
(iii)Define 1 Pa.
(iv)Calculate the pressure exerted by a block of weight 500 N, if the surface
area in contact is 2.5 cm

(i) Thrust is the force acting on a body perpendicular to its surface. Thrust acting on
unit area is called pressure.
(ii)Mathematically, pressure = force / area = thrust / area
or
p=F/A
(iii)The pressure exerted by 1 N of force acting perpendicular on the surface
of 1m2 area is called 1 Pa
1 Pascal = 1 Newton per metre square.
or
1 Pa = 1Nm-2
(iv) Here, weight = 500 N
Area = 2.5 cm2 = 2.5 x 104m2
Pressure = Weight / Area = 500 / 2.5 x 104 = 2 x 106 Pa

With the help of an example show that a body loses its weight when immersed in a
liquid.Tie a small stone with the hook of spring balance as shown in Fig. (i). The
spring of the balance, stretches due to the weight of the stone. The pointer attached
with the spring shows the weight of the stone in the air. Let this weight be W1. Now,
dip the stone in the water as shown in Fig. (ii). We find that the extension of the
string decreases and the pointer attached to the spring shows the weight of the stone
as W2. This weight (W2) of the stone in water is less than the weight (W1) of the
stone in air.
Thus, we conclude that a body (say a stone) loses its weight when immersed in a
liquid.

(i) List two differences between thrust and pressure.

(ii) What is meant by 1 pascal and 1 newton? How will the pressure change, if area
of contact is doubled?
Difference between thrust and pressure are
Thrust:
1. The force exerted by the body perpendicular to the surface is known as thrust.
2. SI unit of thrust is newton (N)
Pressure:
1.Thrust acting on unit area is called pressure, i.e.
Pressure (p) = Force / Area (A)
2. SI unit of pressure is Nm2 or Pa (pascal).
(ii) The pressure exerted by 1 N of force, acting perpendicular on the surface of 1 m2
area is called 1 pascal.
1Pa = 1Nm2
The force required to accelerate 1 kilogram of mass at the rate of 1 metre per second
square is called 1 newton.
IN = 1Kgm2
Since, pressure is inversely proportional to the area of contact.
Therefore, pressure will reduce to half, if area of contact is doubled.

(i) A steel needle sinks in water but a steel ship floats. Explain, how?
(ii) Why do you prefer a broad and thick handle of your suitcase ?
(i) Ship displaces more water than needle as volume of ship is more than that of
needle. Since, up thrust depend on volume of object (U = Vdg), so more the volume
of object, more up thrust act on it and object floats.
(ii) Since, pressure act on the body is inversely proportional to the surface area of
contact, i.e.
It means that more the area of contact, less pressure will act on the body. As the
broad and the thick handle of our suitcase has large area, due to which less pressure
acts on our hand and it is very easy to take from one place to another.

(i)Enlist two forces which act on a body when it is immersed in a liquid state the
condition for a body require to float or sink in a liquid.
(ii)Why does an iron nail sink and a piece of wood floats? Explain, how?

(i) Buoyancy and gravitational force are the two forces which act on a body, when it
is immersed in a liquid. The conditions for a body required to float or sink in a
liquid are as follows:
(a) If weight of the body is more than the upthrust act on it, then body will sink.
W>U (sink) If weight of the body is less than the upthrust act on it, then body will
float.
W<U (float)]
(ii) Volume of the water displaced by an iron nail is less than that of piece of wood.
That is why, more buoyancy force act on piece of wood and it floats on the surface
of water.
i) Name the forces acting on a body when it is fully or partially immersed in a
liquid.
(ii) Briefly explain, why some objects float and some sink in the liquid?
i)When an object is immersed in a liquid, two forces act on it
(a) Weight of the object which acts in downward direction, i.e. it tends to pull down
the object.
(b) Buoyant force (up thrust) which acts in upward direction, i.e. it tends to push up
the object.
(ii) Three conditions of floating and sinking are
(a) If the buoyant force exerted by the liquid is less than the weight of an object, the
object will sink in the liquid.
(b) If the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the object, then the object will float
in the liquid.
(c) If the buoyant force is more than the weight of the object, the object will rise in
the liquid and then float.

A cubical object of side 4 cm has fallen in a well. If mass of the cube is 2 kg, then
state whether this object will float or sink in water. (Take, density of water
1000 kgm3)

Given that,
Mass of the object, m = 2 kg
Side of cube= 4 cm = 0.04m [v= 1 m= 100cm]
Since , volume of cube = (side)3
Volume of the Object = 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 = 0.000064 m3
As we know that ,
Density = Mass of the object / Volume of the object = 2/0.000064 kgm3 =
2000000/64
= 31250kgm3
Here, density of object(31250kgm3 ) is grater than density of water(1000 kgm3).
Therefore , object will be sink.

A cubical tub of side 2 m is full of water. Calculate the total thrust and pressure at
the bottom of tank due to water. (Take, density of water 1000 kgm3 and g = 10 ms2)

Volume of cubical tub = Length X Breadth X Height Here,

length = breadth = height = 2 m
Volume = 2x2x2 = 8 m3
Mass of water = Volume X Density of water = 8 X 1000 = 8000 kg
.'. Weight of water = Mass X Acceleration due to gravity = 8000 X 10 = 8 X104 N
.'. Total thrust = Weight of water = 8 X 104 N (i) Area of bottom = Area of square
shape of tub = 2x2 = 4 m2
.. Pressure or water at the bottom =Force / Area = Weight / Area = 8 x 104 / 4 = 2
x 104 N

State Archimedes' principle. Explain the reason that a cork floats in the water
whereas an iron nail sinks.

Archimedes principle states that, when an object is fully or partially immersed in a

liquid, it experiences a buoyant force or upthrust, which is equal to the weight of
liquid displaced by the object, i.e.Buoyant force or upthrust acting on an object=
Weight of liquid displaced by the object.
A cork floats in the water whereas an iron nail sinks because the density of cork is
less than the density of water. This means that the upthrust of water on the cork is
greater than the weight of the cork. So, it floats. However, the density of an iron nail
is more than the density of water. This means that the upthrust of water on the iron
nail is less than the weight of the nail. So, it sinks.

(i) Why does a bucket of water feel heavier when taken out of water?
(ii) Lead has greater density than iron and both are denser than water. Is the
buoyant force on a lead object greater than, less than or equal to the buoyant force
on an iron object of the same volume?

(i) A bucket of water feels heavier when taken out of water because when immersed
in water, an upward force, i.e. buoyant force acts on it which is equal to the weight
of water displaced by the bucket.
(ii) The buoyant force on a lead object is lesser than the buoyant force on the iron
object because lead has greater density, so it displaces lesser amount of water
consequently lesser amount of buoyant force acts on it.

Two different bodies are completely immersed in water and undergo the same loss
in weight. Is it necessary that their weights in air should also be the same? Justify
your answer.

No, it is not necessary that their weights in air should . also be the same. This is
because the two bodies have undergone the same toss in weight on completely
immersing in water due to their equal volumes, not due to their equal weights. So,
they may have different weights in air.

i)Distinguish between thrust and pressure.

(ii) Why is it easier to swim in sea water than in river water?
(i) Thrust The total perpendicular force exerted by a body on any surface in contact
with it, is called thrust.
Pressure The thrust acting per unit area of a surface is called pressure.
(ii) It is easier in sea water because sea water exerts more upthrust on the body than
the river water because of its higher density.

Verify Archimedes' principle of buoyancy with an activity. For the activity, you are
provided with a piece of stone, a rubber string and a container filled with water.
First of Jill, tie up the stone with the rubber string and hold it against a scale fixed on
a wall. Put a mark on the elongated rubber string when stone is tied.Repeat this
experiment but this time suspend the stone in a beaker, filled with water. Now,
compare the markings. Explanation As the buoyant force is acting on the stone in
upward direction, due to this, gravitational pull decreases and in turn, the stretch of
the rubber is lost.

State Archimedes principle. Write its two applications

Archimedes principle state that, when a body is immersed fully or partially in a
fluid, it experiences an upward force that is equal to the weight of the liquid
displaced by it.
Applications
(i) It is used in designing ships and submarines.
(ii) It is used in making lactometers, which are used to determine the purity of milk.

(i) Why does a bucket of water feel heavier when taken out of water?
(ii) Lead has greater density than iron and both are denser than water. Is the
buoyant force on a lead object greater than, less than or equal to the buoyant force
on an iron object of the same volume?
i) A bucket of water feels heavier when taken out of water because when immersed
in water, an upward force, i.e. buoyant force acts on it which is equal to the weight
of water displaced by the bucket.
(ii) The buoyant force on a lead object is lesser than the buoyant force on the iron
object because lead has greater density, so it displaces lesser amount of water
consequently lesser amount of buoyant force acts on it.

Two different bodies are completely immersed in water and undergo the same loss
in weight. Is it necessary that their weights in air should also be the same? Justify
your answer.

No, it is not necessary that their weights in air should . also be the same. This is
because the two bodies have undergone the same toss in weight on completely
immersing in water due to their equal volumes, not due to their equal weights. So,
they may have different weights in air.

A boat of mass 50 kg is floating in the river with 1/2 of its volume inside the water.
Calculate the buoyant force acting on the boat. (Take, g = 10 ms2ms2).

Given that, mass of the boat, m = 50 kg

As we know that, when a body floats in river. Its apparent weight is zero.
Therefore, buoyant force = weight of body =mg = 50 x 10 =500
i.e. Buoyant force = 500 N

When a fresh egg is put into a beaker filled with water, it sinks in water. But when a
lot of salt is dissolved in the water, the egg begins to rise and then floats. Why?
On dissolving a lot of salt in water, the density of salt solution becomes higher than
that of pure water. Due to its much higher density, the salt solution exerts much
more upward buoyant force on the egg, making the egg rise and then float.

(i) State the SI units of thrust and pressure.

(ii) In which situation, we exert more pressure on ground when we stand on one
foot or on the both feet? Justify your answer.
(i) The SI unit of thrust is newton (N). The SI unit of pressure is Nm2 or pascal (Pa).
(ii) We exert more pressure on ground when we stand on one foot than the both
feet, as the area of one foot is half than that of two feet and p is inversely
proportional to 1/A

A ball filled with air has a volume of 500 cm3. Calculate the minimum force applied
by a child to put it completely inside the water. (Take, g = 10 m2)
Given that,
Volume, V = 500 cm3
=500 x 106m3,
g = 10 ms2, F = ?
Force required to put the ball inside the water = Buoyant force
= Weight of water displaced = mg ... (i)
Now, we know that,
Mass of water = Density of water x Volume m = pV
On substituting this value in Eq. (i) , we get (1/2) Force = pVg
= (1000 kgm3, ) x (500 x 106 m3, )x(10ms2, )
= 1000 x 500 x 106 x 10 N = 5 N
.. Minimum force applied by a child to put the ball completely inside the water is 5
N.

A 200 g solid block of aluminium [density Al= 2.70 g cc1] is placed in a beaker of
water. The same is done in another beaker with a 200 g solid block of lead (density
of lead = 11.3 g cc1. Compare the amount of water displaced by-block of aluminium
and block of lead.
Since, density = mass/ Volume
Given block of aluminium has mass , m = 200 g
and density = 2.70 g cc1
Volume of Al block = m/density = 200/2.70 = 74.07 cc
Block of lead has mass = 200 g
density = 11.3 g cc1
Volume of Pb block = m / density = 200/11.3 = 17.6 cc
Since, is greater, so aluminium experiences larger upward force by water. Therefore,
it displaces more water as compared to lead block.

i) Write down an equation which defines density.

(ii) If a 4 kg of material A occupy 20 cm3 18 kg of material B occupy 90 cm3.
Which has the greater density A or Support your answer with calculations.

(i)We know that , density = Mass/ Volume

(ii)Density of Material of ,A = Mass of A / Volume of A = 4 x 103 / 20 cm3 = 200
g cm3
Density of Material , B =Mass of B / Volume of B = 18 x 103 / 90 cm3 = 200 g cm3
Both A and B have same densities.

When you immerse an empty plastic bottle in a bucket of water, it comes above the
surface of water. Why does this happen? How can it remain immersed in water and
why?
When we immerse an empty plastic bottle in a bucket of water, the upward force
(upthrust or buoyant force) exerted by water on the bottle is greater than its own
weight, therefore it comes above the surface of water. To keep the bottle completely
immersed, an external force which is equal to the difference between the upward
force and the weight of the bottle, must be applied on the bottle in downward
direction. This is because the upthrust on the bottle due to water must be balanced.

When a metallic block is immersed below the surface of a liquid, state and define
the upward force acting on it
When a metallic block is immersed below the surface of liquid, it experiences an
upward force known as buoyant force.
Buoyant force acting on the block = Weight of liquid displaced by object
= mg = (Vp) g
where, m = mass of metallic block
p = density of metallic block
V = volume
g = acceleration due to gravity.

A solid body of mass 150 g and volume 250 cm3 is placed in a jar containing water.
Will it float or sink in water? (Density of water is 1 gcm3)
Given, mass, m = 150 g, volume, V = 250 cm3

Density of the solid (p) =Mass of the solid (m) / Volume of the solid (V)
= 150 g / 250 cm3 = 0.6 g cm3

Based on the table of densities, name the materials infer, in which an object of
density 5.07 g cm3 would sink and the materials on the surface of which it will
float.
An object of density 5.07 g cm3 would sink in gasoline (p = 0.7 g cm3) and paraffin
(p = 0.87 g cm3) because its density is higher than the densities of gasoline and
paraffin.
However, it will float in mercury (p = 13.6 g cm3 ) and molten lead (p = 11.3 g cm3)
because its density is less than the densities of mercury and molten lead.

A spring balance calibrated in newton, reads 19.6 N. Calculate its mass in grams
Reading on spring balance = Weight = 19.6 N or
Weight = mg
====> m= weight/g
= 19.6/9.8 = 2 kg

m= 2000g

Which of the two will exert more pressure, 80 kg mass on 10 m2 or 40 kg mass on

4 m2 ?

If a body is compressed to half its previous volume, what will be the effect on its
density and why?
Since, density (p) = mass(m) / volume (v)
Therefore, if the volume of a body is compressed to half of its previous volume, then
the density will be doubled.

Why pressure exerted by the solid and fluid are different?

Solids exert pressure because of their weight, i.e. pull of mass by the centre of the
Earth with an acceleration of g = 9.8 ms2 and acts downwards towards the centre of
the Earth. Similarly, fluids, i.e. gases and liquids both exert equal pressure in all
directions over the innerwalls of the container in which it is kept.

Density of iron is 7900 kg m3. Calculate its relative density. Will it float or sink in
water? Give reason for your answer.
(Take, density of water = 1000 kg m3)
Given, density of iron = 7900 kg m3
Density of water = 1000 kg m3
Relative density = Density of Iron / Density of water = 7900 kg m3 /
1000 kg m3 = 7.9
As the relative density of an iron object is greater than density of water, so it will
sink to bottom.

A block of ice is floating in a bucket of water full up to the brim. Some position of
ice is visible above the water level. As it melts completely do you expect water to
spill out? Give reason for your answer.
As we know that, volume of ice is greater than that of water, so in this case when ice
melts, it occupies the volume less than that occupied by the ice dipped in it, so water
level will not spill out.

The relative density of a substance is greater than 1. What does it signify?

If the density of a substance is greater than that of water, it will sink in water so, if
relative density of substance is greater than 1, then it signifies that it will sink in
water or we can say it is heavier than the volume of water.

State the condition under which an object floats on the surface of a liquid. What is
the volume of the liquid displaced by the object?
When upthrust on the body in a liquid is greater than the weight of the body, then
the body floats on the surface of liquid, where volume of the body volume of liquid
displaced.

Give a brief description about why bottom of dams are broad?

As we know that, pressure is the force acting per unit area. Dams have large water
storage which creates large gravitational force and increase the hydraulic pressure
with increasing depth which may cause dams to sink into the Earths basin. So, an
increase in base area, decreases the pressure exerted by large water storage.

Explain, why a camel walks easily on a sandy surface than a man in spite of the fact
that a camel is much heavier than a man?
The feet of camel is larger and so cover larger area, which results into low pressure
on sand bed as compared to human beings and thus, enables them to walk easily on
sand without sinking.

Why do we feel light while swimming in a pond?

Due to buoyancy, while swimming in a pond, an upward force is exerted by water
that makes us feel light.

Give one example of each where the same force acting on

(i) a smaller area exerts a larger pressure.
(ii) a larger area exerts a smaller pressure.
i) Needles have sharp tips having smaller area to exert a larger pressure.
(ii) School bags have broad base and wide straps having larger area to exert smaller
pressure.

Name two forces which act on a body immersed in a liquid. Give the directions in
which they act
The two forces are
(i) Weight of the body acting downwards.
(ii) Buoyant force acting upwards.