Question

An open pan filled with water (density ρ) is placed on a vertical rod, maintaining equilibrium. A block of density ρ is placed on one side of the pan as shown. Water depth is more than height of the block.

• A. (a) Equilibrium will be maintained only if ρ<ρ
• A. (b) Equilibrium will be maintained only if ρ<ρ
• A. (c) Equilibrium will be maintained for all relations between ρ and ρ.
• A. (d) Equilibrium will not be maintained in all cases.

Answer 1

(b)

(b) As long as ρ < ρ_w, pressure at the bottom of the pan would be same everywhere, according to the Pascal's law. If ρ < ρ_w, torque produced by gravitational force would cause

unequilibrium.