Force and Pressure — Science STD 8 — Question

1. The working of a lactometer, a device used to determine the purity of a sample of milk, and a hydrometer, a device used to determine the density of a liquid, is based on Archimedes’ principle. The extent to which a lactometer floats (or sinks) depends on the density (and hence purity) of the milk. The same thing is true for a hydrometer. The greater the density of a liquid, the less is the extent to which a body sinks in it.

2. Archimedes’ principle is used in design of ships and submarines. A submarine is provided with large tanks at the front and the back. Its weight can be increased by filling the tanks with sea water or air from compressed air reservoirs. The weight can be decreased by pumping out water from the tanks by forcing compressed air in them. By controlling the weight, it can be made to sink or rise to the surface as desired.

3. The density of a body that floats or sinks in water or kerosine can be determined by. Archimedes’ principle.
4. The density of kerosine can be determined by Archimedes’ principle, using a body of material that is not affected by water and kerosine.