- The scale reads 0.0 grams because the red block is floating and not resting on the scale.
- The block displaces a volume of fluid equal to the volume of the submerged portion of the block.
- The buoyant force acting on the block equals the weight of the displaced fluid, which supports the block's weight.
- Since the block is floating, its weight is exactly balanced by the buoyant force, so no additional force is exerted on the scale.
- The fluid density (2.5 g/mL) and the displaced volume (26.5 mL) can be used to calculate the mass of the displaced fluid: 2.5 g/mL × 26.5 mL = 66.25 grams.
- Therefore, the mass of the red block is 66.25 grams, even though the scale reads 0.0 grams.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of density lab worksheet.
