A metal in which iron can float isa)Sodiumb)Magnesiumc)Mercuryd)Manga...
The correct answer is option 'C) Mercury'.
Mercury is a unique metal that has a lower density than iron, allowing it to float on the surface of the iron. This is due to the concept of buoyancy, which is the upward force exerted by a fluid (liquid or gas) on an object immersed in it. When an object is placed in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
In the case of mercury and iron, mercury has a lower density than iron, which means it weighs less per unit volume. As a result, when mercury is placed on top of iron, it displaces an amount of iron equal to its weight. The buoyant force acting on the mercury is greater than its weight, causing it to float on the iron.
Here is a breakdown of the answer:
1. Buoyancy and the concept of density:
- Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object immersed in it.
- Density is the mass of an object divided by its volume.
- Objects with a lower density than the fluid they are placed in will float, while objects with a higher density will sink.
2. Comparison between mercury and iron:
- Mercury is a dense liquid metal with a density of 13.6 g/cm³.
- Iron, on the other hand, is a solid metal with a density of 7.87 g/cm³.
- Since mercury has a lower density than iron, it will float on the surface of the iron.
3. Buoyant force and floating:
- The buoyant force acting on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
- When mercury is placed on top of iron, it displaces an equal volume of iron.
- The buoyant force acting on the mercury is greater than its weight, causing it to float on the iron.
In conclusion, mercury is a metal in which iron can float due to its lower density. This concept is based on the principles of buoyancy and density.
A metal in which iron can float isa)Sodiumb)Magnesiumc)Mercuryd)Manga...
Relative density of iron is 7.8 and that of mercury is 13.6. Thus, mercury is heavier than iron.