Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 13 - Think and Discuss - Page 263: 104

Answer

The block of wood would float higher with the iron suspended below it rather than placed on top of it.

Work Step by Step

Say that the iron-and-wood system weighs w newtons. Because it floats, it displaces the same volume V of water (of weight w) whether the iron is on the top or on the bottom. When the iron is placed on top, a volume V of wood is underwater. When the iron is suspended beneath, it helps displaces some water, so less wood is in the water, which means it floats higher than it did before.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.