A sealed prop has average density 780 kg/m³ and is placed in water of density 1000 kg/m³. Predict what happens and explain why.

Question

Accepted Answer

It floats partly submerged because its average density is less than water's. Compare the object's average density with the fluid density: 780 kg/m³ is less than 1000 kg/m³. If the prop were fully submerged, the weight of water it displaced—and therefore its maximum upthrust—would exceed the prop's weight. It therefore settles partly submerged, where the displaced-water weight equals its weight and the resultant vertical force is zero.

Will the costume prop float?

A sealed prop has average density 780 kg/m³ and is placed in water of density 1000 kg/m³. Predict what happens and explain why.

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