Displacement in a cylinder by a sphere — find sphere radius: A cylindrical tub of radius 12 cm contains water to a depth of 20 cm. When a solid sphere is dropped in and completely submerged, the water level rises by 6.75 cm. Find the radius of the sphere.
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A6 cm
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B9 cm
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C8 cm
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DNone of these
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ENot applicable
Answer
Correct Answer: 9 cm
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Submerging a solid displaces an equal volume of water. In a vertical cylinder, the rise in level converts readily to a displaced volume: V_displaced = πR_cyl^2 * Δh.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Cylinder radius R_cyl = 12 cm
- Rise Δh = 6.75 cm
- Sphere volume V_sphere = (4/3)πr^3
Concept / Approach:Set displaced volume equal to the sphere volume and solve for sphere radius r.
Step-by-Step Solution:V_displaced = π*(12^2)*6.75 = π*144*6.75 = 972π cm3(4/3)πr^3 = 972π ⇒ r^3 = 972*(3/4) = 729r = 9 cm
Verification / Alternative check:9^3 = 729 confirms r = 9 cm exactly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:6 cm and 8 cm under-displace; “None” is unnecessary with exact equality.
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting π cancels; mis-multiplying 144 by 6.75.
Final Answer:9 cm