Chapter 15: Problem 110
A geode is a hollow rock with a solid shell and an airfilled interior. Suppose a particular geode weighs twice as much in air as it does when completely submerged in water. If the density of the solid part of the geode is \(2500 \mathrm{kg} / \mathrm{m}^{3}\), what fraction of the geode's volume is hollow?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Problem Statement
Apply Archimedes' Principle
Express Weight Equations
Set Up the Weight Equation
Simplify the Equation
Relate Volumes of Solid and Whole Geode
Find the Fraction of the Hollow Portion
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Buoyancy
In the exercise above, when the geode is submerged, it appears to weigh less than it does in air. This indicates that the buoyant force is acting upwards, opposing the weight of the geode. Understanding buoyancy helps explain how objects float or sink based on their density relative to the fluid.
Key points to remember about buoyancy:
- Objects that weigh less than the fluid they displace will float.
- The ability for an object to float is related to its average density compared to the density of the fluid.
- Buoyant force depends only on the volume of fluid displaced, not the weight of the object.
Exploring Density
This tells us how compact the material is. When we compare densities, the relative density plays a crucial role in determining whether an object like a geode will float or sink.
- In the exercise, the density of water is given as 1000 kg/m³.
- The density of the solid part of the geode is greater than that of water, indicating it would normally sink. However, the hollow interior changes its overall density.
- This is why Archimedes' principle can be applied to understand how much of the geode's volume is solid and how much is hollow.
Volume Calculation Basics
The volume calculation allows us to apply Archimedes' principle effectively. Knowing the geode weighs more in air than in water suggests that air contributes to its volume but not its weight, as air is less dense than water or the solid geode material. Points to consider with volume:
- The volume of the geode when submerged determines the amount of water displaced, which determines the buoyant force.
- Using the given densities, we can set up equations that relate the total volume, solid volume, and weight of the geode in different conditions.
- The calculated volumes help us determine what fraction, \( \frac{V_h}{V} \), is hollow, allowing us to conclude that 20% of the geode's volume is hollow based on the exercise's final equation.