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. E)None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lead ball will float because its density is less than that of mercury. The fraction of the volume above the surface is determined by the ratio of the densities: (13.6 - 11.3) / 13.6 = 0.17, or 17%.

A Spherical Ball of Lead (Density 11