You are floating in a boat in a swimming pool. There are some large stones, with a density of 2.5 g/cm³, in the boat. You throw the stones out of the boat and they sink to the bottom of the pool. The water level h, measured vertically at the end of the pool __________ as the stones are thrown out. A) decreases B) increases C) changes depending on the ratio of V_rocks/ V_boat D) stays the same E) starts oscillating

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the stones are thrown out of the boat and sink to the bottom of the pool, they displace a volume of water equal to their own volume. Since the stones have a higher density than the water, the weight of the displaced water is less than the weight of the stones. Therefore, the overall weight of the boat and remaining water is reduced, causing the water level to decrease.

You Are Floating in a Boat in a Swimming Pool