KS3

How to weigh a floating object without scales

Part of PhysicsForces and movement

Key points

When objects float on water the force keeping the object afloat is called upthrust and this balances the weight of the object.
When something is placed in the water, the water moves out of the way. We say the water is displaced.
For floating objects, the weight of displaced water is equal to the weight of the object.

Watch to find out how to weigh an object without scales

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Click to see a step-by-step slideshow.
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WHAT YOU NEED: An apple, orange or lemon (these fruits float), a measuring jug, a pen, paper and a calculator. You may also want a set of scales to check later.
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STEP 1 - Half fill the jug as close to a mark as you can. Make a note of the measurement in ml.
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STEP 2 - Put your fruit into the jug and wait for it to settle.
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STEP 3 - Make a note of the new measurement in ml.
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STEP 4 - Find the difference between the two measurements you have written down. The difference in volume of water in millilitres is the same as the mass of water in grams.
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STEP 5 - Take your fruit out of the jug and place it on your scales. The mass should be the same as the difference in volume.

What is upthrust?

When objects float, they push water out of the way. We say the water is .

The water pushes back with a force we call upthrust.

The water continues to be pushed out of the way until the upthrust equals the weight of the object and the object floats.

Using upthrust to find the weight of an object

If the water that is displaced is weighed, we find it has the same weight as the object that is floating.

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