Chapter 13, Problem 10Q

To determine

Whether lead will float higher or lower in mercury as the temperature increases.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The density of material decreases with increases in temperature.

The lead will float in the mercury because the density of mercury is approximately thirteen times greater than that of water. Therefore, some objects that sink in water will float on mercury, including pieces of lead.

  ${\rho }_{Hg}>{\rho }_{Pb}$

As the temperature increases the density of both materials decreases. The amount of this decrement is a dependent on the compressibility factor. Mercury has more value of compressibility factor:

  ${\beta }_{Hg}>{\beta }_{Pb}$

The rate of decrease in density is more for mercury, so lead will float lower when the temperature is raised.

Conclusion:

As the temperature increases, the density of mercury and lead will decrease but of different amount and the lead will float at a lower level.