Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Question

A jar filled with two non-mixing liquids 1 and 2 having densities ρ1 and ρ2 respectively. A solid ball, made of a material of density ρ3, is dropped in the jar. It comes to equilibrium in the position shown in the figure.
Which of the following is true for ρ1, ρ2 and ρ3?

  • ρ3 < ρ1 < ρ2

  • ρ1 < ρ3 < ρ2

  • ρ1 < ρ2 < ρ3

  • ρ1 < ρ3 < ρ2

Answer

D.

ρ1 < ρ3 < ρ2


As liquid 1 floats above liquid 2,
ρ1 < ρ2
The ball is unable to sink into liquid 2, ρ3 < ρ2
The ball is unable to rise over liquid 1
ρ1 < ρ3 Thus, ρ1 < ρ3 < ρ2

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