A small 0.1 mm droplet of mercury, or solid ball of the same
size and density made of gold-copper alloy?
2007-07-02 10:21:05 · 6 answers · asked by Alexander 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I think that mercury wins.
The reason is different boundary
conditions on the interface.
Liquid mercury can circulate inside
the droplet, helping the water to flow
around it.
2007-07-03 10:34:00 · update #1
The solid will sink faster. Since mercury is in a liquid form, it will spread (slightly) and become more buoyant.
2007-07-02 10:26:47 · answer #1 · answered by Gregory B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the droplet of Mercury were to deform during descent, it could meet with less water resistance than a solid ball and thus sink faster. But will it deform to a more "streamlined" shape? Hmmm...
I would say that it would become ellipsoidal and sink faster. With the current of water sweeping over it, the droplet would probably settle to an enlongated shape, even though its surface tension would otherwise keep it spherical. Maybe I can find something about this?
Addendum: Well, what do you know, it's the opposite. Falling liquid drops tend to flatten out, which would increase air resistance. So, my bet is on the hard gold-copper alloy. See pix.
2007-07-02 18:41:34 · answer #2 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe that a 50-50 alloy of copper and gold will have the same density as Hg.
Theoretically, they should sink at the same rate.
2007-07-02 11:05:28 · answer #3 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the density of a drop of mercury and the alloy of gold and copper is the same since they are of the same size. both will sink at the same rate
2007-07-02 18:36:42 · answer #4 · answered by Amy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they have a density less than that of water, neither will sink (I don't know the density of mercury off the top of my head). Since they are the same density, and if they do sink, they will sink at the same rate.
2007-07-02 10:29:22 · answer #5 · answered by Yo Momma ♥s Obama 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-01-23 09:39:45 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋