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| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Part (a): Determining the Spring Constant \(k\) | ||
| 1 | \[\Delta x_{\text{air}} = L_{\text{stretched}} – L_{\text{unstretched}}\] | Measure the length of the spring without the object and then with the object at rest in air. Their difference is the displacement \(\Delta x_{\text{air}}\). |
| 2 | \[mg = k\,\Delta x_{\text{air}}\] | At equilibrium in air, the downward gravitational force \(mg\) is balanced by the spring force \(k\,\Delta x_{\text{air}}\). |
| 3 | \[k = \frac{mg}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\] | Solve for \(k\) by algebraically rearranging the force equilibrium equation. |
| Alternative Method: One can also determine \(k\) by setting the mass into oscillation and using \(T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\) to solve for \(k = \frac{4\pi^2m}{T^2}\), but the displacement method is straightforward using a metric ruler. | ||
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Part (b): Changes When the Object is Immersed | ||
| 1 | \[mg – F_{b} = k\,\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}\] | When the object is immersed in the fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force \(F_{b}\). Therefore, the spring now only needs to balance the net force \(mg – F_{b}\), resulting in a smaller displacement \(\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}\) compared to \(\Delta x_{\text{air}}\). |
| 2 | \(\Delta x_{\text{fluid}} < \Delta x_{\text{air}}\) | The observed change is a decrease in the spring extension because the fluid’s buoyant force partially offsets the weight of the object. |
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Part (c): Experimental Determination of Fluid Density \(\rho\) | ||
| 1 | Measure \(\Delta x_{\text{air}}\) and \(\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}\). | Using the metric ruler, record the spring displacement when the object is in air and when it is immersed in the fluid. |
| 2 | Determine \(k = \frac{mg}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\) from Part (a). | This value of \(k\) is required for the next step of finding the buoyant force. |
| 3 | Measure the object’s mass \(m\) and use its known density \(D\) to find its volume \(V\) via \(V = \frac{m}{D}\). | By definition, density is mass per unit volume. Since \(D \gg \rho\), the object is practically incompressible and its volume can be calculated accurately. |
| 4 | Relate the buoyant force and the displaced fluid: \(F_{b} = \rho\,V\,g\). | According to Archimedes’ principle, the buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced fluid. |
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Part (d): Using Measurements to Calculate \(\rho\) | ||
| 1 | \(mg = k\,\Delta x_{\text{air}}\) | At equilibrium in air, the gravitational force is balanced by the spring force. |
| 2 | \(mg – k\,\Delta x_{\text{fluid}} = \rho\,V\,g\) | In the fluid, the buoyant force \(\rho\,V\,g\) reduces the effective force the spring must support. |
| 3 | Substitute \(k = \frac{mg}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\): \(mg – \frac{mg}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\,\Delta x_{\text{fluid}} = \rho\,V\,g\) | This substitution expresses the equation in terms of measurable quantities \(\Delta x_{\text{air}}\) and \(\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}\). |
| 4 | Divide by \(g\): \(m\Bigl(1- \frac{\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\Bigr) = \rho\,V\) | Simplify the equation by eliminating the gravitational acceleration \(g\), which appears on both sides. |
| 5 | Solve for \(\rho\): \(\displaystyle \rho = \frac{m \Bigl(1- \dfrac{\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\Bigr)}{V}\) | Isolate \(\rho\) to relate it directly to the measurements and the known mass and volume of the object. |
| 6 | Substitute \(V = \frac{m}{D}\): \(\displaystyle \rho = \frac{m \Bigl(1 – \frac{\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\Bigr)}{\frac{m}{D}} = D\Bigl(1 – \frac{\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\Bigr)\) | Since the object\’s density \(D\) and mass \(m\) give its volume, this substitution yields the final formula for the fluid density \(\rho\) in terms of \(D\) and the measured displacements. |
| 7 | \[\boxed{\rho = D \left(1 – \frac{\Delta x_{\text{fluid}}}{\Delta x_{\text{air}}}\right)}\] | This is the explicit expression to calculate the fluid density based on the measured values. |
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A spring stretches \( 8.0 \) \( \text{cm} \) when a \( 13 \) \( \text{N} \) force is applied. How far does it stretch when a \( 26 \) \( \text{N} \) force is applied?
The experimental diving rig is lowered from rest at the ocean’s surface and reaches a maximum depth of \(80\) \(\text{m}\). Initially it accelerates downward at a rate of \(0.10\) \(\text{m/s}^2\) until it reaches a speed of \(2.0\) \(\text{m/s}\), which then remains constant. During the descent, the pressure inside the bell remains constant at \(1\) atmosphere. The top of the bell has a cross-sectional area \(A = 9.0\) \(\text{m}^2\). The density of seawater is \(1025\) \(\text{kg/m}^3\).

The figure shows a container filled with water to a depth \( d \). The container has a hole a distance \( y \) above its bottom, allowing water to exit with an initially horizontal velocity. Which of the following correctly predicts and explains how the speed of the water as it exits the hole would change if the distance \( y \) above the bottom of the container increased?
A fountain with an opening of radius \( 0.015 \) \( \text{m} \) shoots a stream of water vertically from ground level at \( 6.0 \) \( \text{m/s} \). The density of water is \( 1000 \) \( \text{kg/m}^3 \).

Three identical reservoirs, \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\), are represented above, each with a small pipe where water exits horizontally. The pipes are set at the same height above a pool of water. The water in the reservoirs is kept at the levels shown. Which of the following correctly ranks the horizontal distances \( d \) that the streams of water travel before hitting the surface of the pool?
A trash compactor pushes down with a force of \( 500 \) \( \text{N} \) on a \( 3 \) \( \text{cm}^2 \) input piston, causing a force of \( 30,000 \) \( \text{N} \) to crush the trash. What is the area of the output piston that crushes the trash?
Marc’s favorite ride at Busch Gardens is the Flying Umbrella, which is lifted by a hydraulic jack. The operator activates the ride by applying a force of \( 72 \) \( \text{N} \) to a \( 30 \)\( \text{cm}^2 \) cylindrical piston, which holds the \( 20,000 \)\( \text{N} \) ride off the ground. What is the area of the piston that holds the ride?
A sphere of mass \(0.5\) \(\text{kg}\) is dropped into a column of oil. At the instant the sphere becomes completely submerged in the oil, the sphere is moving downward at \(8\) \(\text{m/s}\), the buoyancy force on the sphere is \(4.0\) \(\text{N}\), and the fluid frictional force is \(4.0\) \(\text{N}\). Which of the following describes the motion of the sphere at this instant?
Two blocks of the same size are floating in a container of water. The first block is submerged \( 80\% \) while the second block is submerged by \( 20\% \) beneath the water. Which of the following is a correct statement about the two blocks?

A bullet (mass: \(0.05 \, \text{kg}\)) is fired horizontally (\(v = 200 \, \text{m/s}\)) at a block (mass: \(1.3 \, \text{kg}\)) initially at rest on a frictionless surface. The block is attached to a spring (\(k = 2500 \, \text{N/m}\)). The bullet becomes embedded. Calculate:
Check the explanation for the complete solution. The following is a condensed version of the solution:
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| Kinematics | Forces |
|---|---|
| \(\Delta x = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} at^2\) | \(F = ma\) |
| \(v = v_i + at\) | \(F_g = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}\) |
| \(v^2 = v_i^2 + 2a \Delta x\) | \(f = \mu N\) |
| \(\Delta x = \frac{v_i + v}{2} t\) | \(F_s =-kx\) |
| \(v^2 = v_f^2 \,-\, 2a \Delta x\) |
| Circular Motion | Energy |
|---|---|
| \(F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}\) | \(KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2\) |
| \(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\) | \(PE = mgh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r}{g}}\) | \(KE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_f\) |
| \(W = Fd \cos\theta\) |
| Momentum | Torque and Rotations |
|---|---|
| \(p = mv\) | \(\tau = r \cdot F \cdot \sin(\theta)\) |
| \(J = \Delta p\) | \(I = \sum mr^2\) |
| \(p_i = p_f\) | \(L = I \cdot \omega\) |
| Simple Harmonic Motion | Fluids |
|---|---|
| \(F = -kx\) | \(P = \frac{F}{A}\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}\) | \(P_{\text{total}} = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho gh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\) | \(Q = Av\) |
| \(x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)\) | \(F_b = \rho V g\) |
| \(a = -\omega^2 x\) | \(A_1v_1 = A_2v_2\) |
| Constant | Description |
|---|---|
| [katex]g[/katex] | Acceleration due to gravity, typically [katex]9.8 , \text{m/s}^2[/katex] on Earth’s surface |
| [katex]G[/katex] | Universal Gravitational Constant, [katex]6.674 \times 10^{-11} , \text{N} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2[/katex] |
| [katex]\mu_k[/katex] and [katex]\mu_s[/katex] | Coefficients of kinetic ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) and static ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) friction, dimensionless. Static friction ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) is usually greater than kinetic friction ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) as it resists the start of motion. |
| [katex]k[/katex] | Spring constant, in [katex]\text{N/m}[/katex] |
| [katex] M_E = 5.972 \times 10^{24} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Earth |
| [katex] M_M = 7.348 \times 10^{22} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Moon |
| [katex] M_M = 1.989 \times 10^{30} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Sun |
| Variable | SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]s[/katex] (Displacement) | [katex]\text{meters (m)}[/katex] |
| [katex]v[/katex] (Velocity) | [katex]\text{meters per second (m/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]a[/katex] (Acceleration) | [katex]\text{meters per second squared (m/s}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]t[/katex] (Time) | [katex]\text{seconds (s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]m[/katex] (Mass) | [katex]\text{kilograms (kg)}[/katex] |
| Variable | Derived SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]F[/katex] (Force) | [katex]\text{newtons (N)}[/katex] |
| [katex]E[/katex], [katex]PE[/katex], [katex]KE[/katex] (Energy, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy) | [katex]\text{joules (J)}[/katex] |
| [katex]P[/katex] (Power) | [katex]\text{watts (W)}[/katex] |
| [katex]p[/katex] (Momentum) | [katex]\text{kilogram meters per second (kgm/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\omega[/katex] (Angular Velocity) | [katex]\text{radians per second (rad/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\tau[/katex] (Torque) | [katex]\text{newton meters (Nm)}[/katex] |
| [katex]I[/katex] (Moment of Inertia) | [katex]\text{kilogram meter squared (kgm}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]f[/katex] (Frequency) | [katex]\text{hertz (Hz)}[/katex] |
Metric Prefixes
Example of using unit analysis: Convert 5 kilometers to millimeters.
Start with the given measurement: [katex]\text{5 km}[/katex]
Use the conversion factors for kilometers to meters and meters to millimeters: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}}[/katex]
Perform the multiplication: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}} = 5 \times 10^3 \times 10^3 \, \text{mm}[/katex]
Simplify to get the final answer: [katex]\boxed{5 \times 10^6 \, \text{mm}}[/katex]
Prefix | Symbol | Power of Ten | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
Pico- | p | [katex]10^{-12}[/katex] | 0.000000000001 |
Nano- | n | [katex]10^{-9}[/katex] | 0.000000001 |
Micro- | µ | [katex]10^{-6}[/katex] | 0.000001 |
Milli- | m | [katex]10^{-3}[/katex] | 0.001 |
Centi- | c | [katex]10^{-2}[/katex] | 0.01 |
Deci- | d | [katex]10^{-1}[/katex] | 0.1 |
(Base unit) | – | [katex]10^{0}[/katex] | 1 |
Deca- or Deka- | da | [katex]10^{1}[/katex] | 10 |
Hecto- | h | [katex]10^{2}[/katex] | 100 |
Kilo- | k | [katex]10^{3}[/katex] | 1,000 |
Mega- | M | [katex]10^{6}[/katex] | 1,000,000 |
Giga- | G | [katex]10^{9}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000 |
Tera- | T | [katex]10^{12}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000,000 |
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