A ball bearing that has a density of 5.16 g/cm³ is held at rest under the surface of a liquid that has a density of 2.50 g/cm³. The magnitude of the acceleration of the ball bearing just after it is released is A) 5.0 m/s². B) 14 m/s². C) 10 m/s². D) 6.5 m/s². E) 1.6 m/s².

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force on the ball bearing is the difference between the gravitational force and the buoyant force. The gravitational force is greater because the ball bearing is denser than the liquid. The net force causes an acceleration, which can be calculated using the formula: a = g * (1 - (density of liquid / density of ball bearing)). Substituting the given values, a = 9.8 * (1 - (2.50 / 5.16)) ≈ 5.0 m/s².

A Ball Bearing That Has a Density of 5