Question

The densities of mercury and iron are 13600$\frac{kg}{m^3}$ and 7800$\frac{kg}{m^3}$ respectively. Will a piece of iron float or sink in mercury?

Answer 1

1. Given that the densities of mercury and iron are 13600$\frac{kg}{m^3}$ and 7800$\frac{kg}{m^3}$ respectively.
2. On comparing the densities, the density of mercury is greater than iron by 5800$\frac{kg}{m^3}$.
3. The buoyant force applied by mercury on iron is larger than its weight.
4. Hence, iron floats on mercury.