Archimedes’Principle Gonzaga Physics （阿基米德Principle贡扎加物理）.pdfVIP

Archimedes’ Principle 1 Object To determine the density of objects by using Archimedes’ principle and to compare with a density measured directly. 2 Apparatus Assorted masses, balance, beakers, graduated cylinders, masking tape, measuring stick, Pasco 850 Universal Interface and force probe, unknowns, vernier caliper, water. 3 Theory In this experiment we will concern ourselves with the density of various objects. The density ρ of an object is defined as its mass m divided by its volume V , or m ρ = (1) V Archimedes was the first to give a valid mechanistic explanation for the observation that an object appears to weigh less in water than air. The basic theoretical principle applicable is his explanation of why this weight loss takes place. Consider a fluid (gas or liquid) and consider in more detail a section of that fluid shown below. If Figure 1: A small volume of fluid. the fluid is at rest, this section will be in equilibrium. Specifically, that is, the forces upward will balance the forces downward. Figure 2 shows these in more detail. There will be a downward force FD on the upper face due to the pressure, which in turn is due to the weight of the fluid above this face. Likewise there will be an upward force FU due to the pressure on the lower face. A third force arises due to the weight of this volume of fluid. All of these forces must balance since the section of fluid does not move (F = ma = 0). Mathematically this is written as FU = FD + Wfluid (2) 1 F