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Grade 10Mechanics

If enough iron is added to one end of a uniform wooden stick or log, it will float vertically, rather than horizontally (see Question 27). Explain.

Profile image of Hrishant Goswami
11 Years agoGrade 10
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1 Answer

Profile image of Jitender Pal
11 Years ago
The addition of enough iron to one end of the uniform wooden stick or log makes the position of the center of gravity to shift above the center of buoyancy in the same vertical axis. Thus, the buoyant force and weight of the wooden stick or log act oppositely in the same vertical axis. This makes the net torque acting on the wooden log or stick equal to zero. Thus, the wooden stick or log is in equilibrium. Therefore, it will float vertically rather than horizontally.