A piece of iron sinks to the bottom of a lake where the pressure is 21. atm. Which statement best describes what happens to the volume of that piece of iron?
A) There has been no change in the volume of the iron.
B) Its volume decreases slightly.
C) Its volume increases slightly.
D) Its volume becomes 21. times greater.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Iron is a solid with a very high bulk modulus, meaning it is very resistant to compression. However, under significantly increased pressure, such as at the bottom of a lake compared to the surface, its volume will decrease slightly due to the compressive forces acting on it. This change is usually very small because solids are not easily compressible.

A Piece of Iron Sinks to the Bottom of a Lake