Loading...
UPSC 2002: A solid cube just gets completely immersed in water when a 0.2 kg mass is placed on it. If the mass is removed, the cube is 2 cm above the water level. What is the length of each side of the cube?
(a)12 cm
(b)10 cm
(c)8 cm
(d)6 cm
Attempt This Question
Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (b) 10 cm
Let the cube’s edge be L cm. When the 0.2 kg (≈200 g) mass is on top, the cube is just submerged, so the weight of displaced water equals the weight of the cube plus 200 g. After removing the mass, 2 cm of the cube rises above water, so the submerged height is (L – 2) cm and the buoyant force now equals only the cube’s weight. The difference in displaced water weights (200 g) equals the volume 2 × L² cm³, i.e. 200 g = 2 L² g ⇒ L² = 100 ⇒ L = 10 cm. ([sarthaks.com](https://www.sarthaks.com/65951/solid-cube-gets-completely-immersed-water-when-mass-placed-mass-removed-above-water-level?utm_source=openai))
Related UPSC Questions
More from Physics
2002moderate
Consider the following statements: 1. Light of longer wavelength is scattered much more than light of shorter wavelength. 2. The speed of visible ligh
2002moderate
A hollow sphere of radius R, a hollow cube of side R and a thin circular plate of radius R, made up of the same material, are all heated to 20 °C abov
2002moderate
Assertion (A): An iron ball floats on mercury but gets immersed in water. Reason (R): The specific gravity of iron is more than that of mercury.
Related Science & Technology Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2002 Science & Technology question?▼
The correct answer is option (b): 10 cm. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Physics question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2002, GS Paper 1, as Question 4. It falls under Science & Technology > Physics.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "moderate". It requires sound conceptual understanding of the topic.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Physics?▼
UPSC has asked 104 questions from Physics (under Science & Technology) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.