Archimedes' principle and buoyancy correction

"Very accurate measurements of mass using a balance must include a buoyancy correction. Would the buoyancy correction be more important for a table tennis ball or a large ball-bearing of equal radius? Explain"

I'm not sure about this. I think it's either the same for both, as they both displace the same amount of air, or the table tennis ball, as the buoyancy as a proportion of the weight is greater.

Which, if either, is correct?

Reply 1

teachercol

The buoyancy correction essentially mean subtracting the density of air from the average density of the object

Which would make the biggest % difference?

Reply 2

Pork and Beans

teachercol

The buoyancy correction essentially mean subtracting the density of air from the average density of the object

Which would make the biggest % difference?

So it's the tennis ball? Thanks :smile:

Reply 3

Pork and Beans

Sorry, one more question:

"A bridge designed to carry a canal across a valley is called an aqueduct. Is the downward force on an aqueduct greater when a boat passes over it? Explain"

I'd go with yes, because it's holding up more mass, but something tells me that might not be right.