Question

A 10.5 kg block of metal measuring 12.0 cm by 10.0 cm by 10.0 cm is suspended from a scale and immersed in water as shown in the figure below. The 12.0 cm dimension is vertical, and the top of the block is 4.45 cm below the surface of the water.

(a.) What are the magnitudes of the forces (in N) acting on the top and on the bottom of the block due to the surrounding water? (Use P0 = 1.0130 x10^5 N/m^2. Enter your answers accurate to at least four significant figures.)

F_top=

F_bottom=

b) What is the reading of the spring scale (in N)?

Answer 1

Given,

a) The absolute pressure at the top of the block is given by,

Similarly,

The absolute pressure at the bottom of the block is given by,

Now, the downward force exerted on the top of the water is given by,

(Ans.)

Similarly, the upward force exerted on the block is given by

(Ans.)

b) The scale reading equals the tension, T, in the cord supporting the block. Since the block is in equilibrium

Therefore,

(Ans.)