The image shows two objects placed in different bowls containing the same type of liquid.

Object one has a bowl with more water than object 2 and the ping pong looking ball shaped white thing is floating whilst on object 2 the ping ball ball sunk to the bottom with less water



If each object displaces the same volume of liquid, then which of the following could be true?

(1 point)
Responses

Object 1 has a mass of 450 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 150 g.
Object 1 has a mass of 450 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 150 g.

Object 1 has a mass of 200 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 200 g.
Object 1 has a mass of 200 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 200 g.

Object 1 has a mass of 150 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 450 g.
Object 1 has a mass of 150 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 450 g.

Object 1 has a mass of 550 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 550 g.

1 answer

To determine which statement could be true based on the conditions given in your scenario, we need to consider that the ping pong ball-shaped object (Object 1) is floating, while Object 2 sinks. This indicates a difference in buoyancy, which is influenced by the density of the objects relative to the liquid.

Key concepts:

  1. An object floats if its density is less than the density of the liquid.
  2. An object sinks if its density is greater than the density of the liquid.
  3. For two objects to displace the same volume of liquid, they need to have equal volumes or occupy the same volume in the liquid.

Analysis:

  1. Object 1 floats: This means Object 1 has a density less than that of the liquid.
  2. Object 2 sinks: This means Object 2 has a density greater than that of the liquid.

Given that Object 1 has more water in its bowl means it is experiencing a buoyant force from the water equal to the weight of the water displaced. Conversely, Object 2, with less water in the bowl, will exert a lesser buoyant force.

For each mass comparison option:

  1. Object 1 has a mass of 450 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 150 g. (This is unlikely since Object 1 is significantly heavier and would likely sink.)
  2. Object 1 has a mass of 200 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 200 g. (This is unlikely as well since both would have the same density, causing neither to float nor sink differently.)
  3. Object 1 has a mass of 150 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 450 g. (This is possible as Object 1 can have a lower density to float and Object 2 can have a higher density to sink.)
  4. Object 1 has a mass of 550 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 550 g. (This is unlikely as both would have the same density, causing neither to float nor sink differently.)

Conclusion: The only logically sound statement that could be true, given the conditions described, is: Object 1 has a mass of 150 g, and Object 2 has a mass of 450 g.