Question

A jar is filled with two non-mixing liquids 1 and 2 having densities $p_1$ and $p_2$, respectively. A solid ball, made of a material of density $p_3$, is dropped in the jar. It comes to equilibrium in the position shown in the figure. Which of the following is true for $p_1,p_2$ and $p_3$?

• A. $p_1<p_2<p_3$
• B. $p_1<p_3<p_2$
• C. $p_3<p_1<p_2$
• D. Pl $>p_3>p_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $p_1<p_3<p_2$

Denser objects tend to settle down and lighter objects tend to float up.

Clearly ${\rho }_1<{\rho }_2$.

Since the ball does not rise upto the surface, ${\rho }_3>{\rho }_1$

Neither does the ball settle at the bottom, ${\rho }_3<{\rho }_2$

Hence, ${\rho }_1<{\rho }_3<{\rho }_2$