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[Phys-L] Re: A "simple" physics problem?



I had the answer here, but others beat me to it. Instead, I'll offer some $0.02...

The more I think about this problem of the floating ice cube (sans shot), the more subtle it seems. If the ice cube were made of anything other than water, the water level would change when the cube melted. What if the cube were made of sugar or salt, and dissolved? Or frozen alcohol, or some such? This isn't such a simple problem.

BTW, this question is tied into some environmental issues. Any rise in the ocean levels due to global warming will be due to ice that's currently on land (ice sheets in Greenland or Antarctica). Melting sea ice (i.e. the north polar ice cap)will not contribute to the rise in sea level because floating sea ice is already displacing ocean water.

Vickie Frohne

-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for Physics Educators [mailto:PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu]On
Behalf Of Herbert H Gottlieb
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 8:33 PM
To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
Subject: A "simple" physics problem?


Here's a simple physics problem that I'm having a bit of difficulty
answering. I would appreciate an answer together with your
reasoning:

An ice cube containing small pieces of lead shot is floating
in a cup of warm water. What will happen to the water level
as the ice cube melts?

Thanks in advance.

Herb Gottlieb from New YOrk City
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