Question #3

A ball floats on water, as seen in the photograph below, but will sink when put into mineral spirits. The water is dyed green with food coloring to distinguish it from the clear mineral spirits. Note how far the floating ball sinks into the water.

When the mineral spirits is poured slowly onto the top of the water, it will remain on top because the two fluids are immiscible.

If the mineral spirits is poured slowly on top of the water while the ball is floating on the water, what will happen to the level at which the ball floats?

• (a) The ball will float lower into the water.
• (b) The ball will float higher out of the water.
• (c) The ball will float at the same level with respect to the surface of the water after the mineral spirits are poured on top of the water.

Click here for Answer #3 after March 13.

Question of the Week

Outreach Index Page

Lecture-Demonstration Home Page

For questions and comments regarding the Question of the Week contact Dr. Richard E. Berg by e-mail or using phone number or regular mail address given on the Lecture-Demonstration Home Page.