The Power of Density and Buoyancy: Unleashing the Physics of Floating and Sinking
What happens when a tennis ball and a billiard ball of the same volume are placed in water?
A) The tennis ball will sink deeper due to its weight.
B) Both balls will sink to the same depth.
C) The billiard ball will sink deeper due to its density.
D) The tennis ball will float on the water surface.
Answer:
The correct answer is (C) The billiard ball will sink deeper due to its density because the tennis ball, being less dense than water, will float, whereas the denser billiard ball will sink.
Have you ever pondered the fascinating world of density and buoyancy in physics? Let's delve into the intriguing scenario of placing a tennis ball and a billiard ball of the same volume in water.
Exploring the Phenomenon:
When these two balls are submerged in water, their fate is determined by their densities. The tennis ball, filled with air, has a lower density compared to water. On the other hand, the billiard ball, being solid, is likely denser than water.
As per Archimedes' principle, the upward buoyant force exerted on a body in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. Consequently, when placed in water:
The Tennis Ball:The tennis ball, with its lower density, will experience an upward buoyant force greater than the force of gravity pulling it down. This results in the tennis ball floating on the water surface, showcasing the captivating interplay of density and buoyancy.
The Billiard Ball:In contrast, the billiard ball, denser than water, will sink deeper due to its higher density. The gravitational force acting on it outweighs the buoyant force, leading to its descent into the depths of the water.
Therefore, the scenario exemplifies the profound impact of density on an object's interaction with water, manifesting in the tennis ball's buoyant dance on the surface and the billiard ball's plunge into the aquatic realm.
Next time you observe objects floating or sinking in water, remember the powerful influence of density and buoyancy, unraveling the captivating physics behind these phenomena.