When an object is immersed in water, it feels lighter. In a cylinder filled with water, the action of inserting a mass in the liquid causes it to displace upward. Eh mate, where did ya learn all this?
The volume of any object, no matter how complexly shaped, can be determined by measuring the volume of water it displaces when immersed.
Archimedes had been asked to determine the purity of the metal in a ornate bit of jewelry ( a crown IIRC). The shape was too complex to accurately determine the volume by mathematics. An accurate volume was needed to determine the density of the metal used.
According to legend, he noticed that when he climbed into a tub to bathe, the tub was overfilled, and overflowed when he climbed in and lay back.Realizing that this was an example of a principle that would solve his problem, he reported leapt from his tub and ran through the streets naked, shouting “Eureka” (Greek for “I have found it”).
Turned out the density of the item was too low, indicating that the maker had alloyed the specified metal with a cheaper, lighter metal, but had charged as if he had used the pure metal.
Elaine Rosco Premium Member about 13 years ago
Better to bathe Fred outside don’t ya think?
NE1956 about 13 years ago
Fred, you have no principles, but your buoancy displacement is impressive.
baileydean about 13 years ago
That works best for me, too. And my dogs enjoy it more when I’m not stressed and they get to play.
lewisbower about 13 years ago
Give her a place to stand and she can (re)move the dirt. Er, Fred, wasn’t someone beheaded for your experiment?
Chconfer about 13 years ago
When an object is immersed in water, it feels lighter. In a cylinder filled with water, the action of inserting a mass in the liquid causes it to displace upward. Eh mate, where did ya learn all this?
Miserichord about 13 years ago
The volume of any object, no matter how complexly shaped, can be determined by measuring the volume of water it displaces when immersed.
Archimedes had been asked to determine the purity of the metal in a ornate bit of jewelry ( a crown IIRC). The shape was too complex to accurately determine the volume by mathematics. An accurate volume was needed to determine the density of the metal used.
According to legend, he noticed that when he climbed into a tub to bathe, the tub was overfilled, and overflowed when he climbed in and lay back.Realizing that this was an example of a principle that would solve his problem, he reported leapt from his tub and ran through the streets naked, shouting “Eureka” (Greek for “I have found it”).
Turned out the density of the item was too low, indicating that the maker had alloyed the specified metal with a cheaper, lighter metal, but had charged as if he had used the pure metal.