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⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

A hollow sphere and a solid sphere of the same external dimensions are placed in water. The hollow sphere floats while the solid sphere sinks. This is because:

Answer: The hollow sphere has lower average density than water while solid sphere has higher density.

  • A The hollow sphere has lower average density than water while solid sphere has higher density
  • B The hollow sphere is generally lighter in absolute weight than the solid one in many documented cases
  • C Water seeps into the hollow sphere's interior cavity through tiny pores according to conventional understanding
  • D The hollow sphere has a larger exposed surface area than the solid one in routine practice

Correct answer: A. The hollow sphere has lower average density than water while solid sphere has higher density

Explanation: Floating depends on average density. Hollow sphere: total mass / total volume < ρ_water. Solid sphere: density of material > ρ_water. Ships float because their average density (steel hull + hollow interior with air) is less than water.

Continuity Equation: Narrow Pipe → Faster FlowA₁, v₁ (wide, slow)A₂, v₂ (narrow, fast)A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ (continuity)Smaller area → higher speed → (by Bernoulli) LOWER pressure

Since the same volume of fluid must pass every cross-section per second (continuity), the fluid speeds up where the pipe narrows; Bernoulli's equation then says this faster-moving fluid has lower pressure - the principle behind a venturi meter and an aircraft wing's lift.

Concept context

Pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli equation, viscosity, and surface tension.

Read the full Mechanical Properties of Fluids notes →