Rise in water level due to a submerged sphere: A cylinder of radius 4 cm contains water. A solid sphere of radius 3 cm is fully immersed. By how many cm does the water level rise?
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
-
A4.5 cm
-
B2.25 cm
-
C4/9 cm
-
D2/9 cm
Answer
Correct Answer: 2.25 cm
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Volume displaced equals the volume of the sphere. The rise in height equals displaced volume divided by the cylinder’s cross-sectional area. This checks volume formulas and unit consistency.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Cylinder radius R = 4 cm ⇒ area A = π R^2 = 16π cm2
- Sphere radius r = 3 cm ⇒ volume V_sph = (4/3) π r^3 = (4/3) π * 27 = 36π cm3
Concept / Approach:
- Height rise h = displaced volume / area = V_sph / A.
Step-by-Step Solution:
h = (36π) / (16π) = 36 / 16 = 9 / 4 = 2.25 cm.Verification / Alternative check:
Cancel π; arithmetic 36/16 reduces to 9/4 = 2.25, consistent.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 4.5 cm: Doubles the correct rise.
- 4/9 cm or 2/9 cm: Misplaced numerator/denominator during division.
Common Pitfalls:
- Using cylinder volume formula instead of area in the denominator.
- Forgetting to cube the sphere radius when computing volume.
Final Answer:
2.25 cm