What fraction of an iceberg is above the surface of the water?
The fraction of the iceberg that is above the surface of the water is 8.3%.
Understanding Specific Gravity and Fraction of Iceberg Above Water Surface
The specific gravity of a material is a key concept in physics and engineering, defined as the ratio of the density of the material to the density of water. When it comes to ice and seawater, their specific gravities play a crucial role in determining the fraction of an iceberg above the water surface.
The formula for specific gravity:
Specific Gravity (S.G) = Density of the material / Density of water
Given data:
Specific gravity of ice (SG_ice) = 0.917
Specific gravity of seawater (SG_seawater) = 1.025
The fraction of the iceberg submerged in the seawater:
SG_ice = 0.917 = 0.917 x 100% = 91.7%
The fraction of the iceberg that is above the surface of the water:
1 - 0.917 = 0.083 = 0.083 x 100% = 8.3%
Therefore, the fraction of the iceberg submerged in the water is a direct result of the specific gravity of the iceberg. The difference in specific gravities between ice and seawater determines the portion of the iceberg that remains visible above the water surface.
It is important to understand specific gravity and its implications in various scientific and engineering applications. By knowing the specific gravity of materials, researchers and engineers can make informed decisions regarding the behavior of substances in different environments.
For further information on specific gravity and its significance, you can visit reliable sources like educational websites, physics forums, and scientific literature to deepen your understanding of this fundamental concept.