A spherical ball of lead (density 11.3 g/cm³)is placed in a tub of mercury (density 13.6 g/cm³).Which answer best describes the result? A)The lead ball will float with about 83% of its volume above the surface of the mercury. B)The lead ball will float with its top exactly even with the surface of the mercury. C)The lead ball will float with about 17% of its volume above the surface of the mercury. D)The lead will sink to the bottom of the mercury.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lead ball will float because its density (11.3 g/cm³) is less than that of mercury (13.6 g/cm³). The percentage of the lead ball's volume that will be above the surface can be determined by the ratio of the difference in densities to the density of mercury, which is (13.6 - 11.3) / 13.6 ≈ 0.17, or 17%.

A Spherical Ball of Lead (Density 11