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Work Required to Submerge

  1. Jan 15, 2006 #1
    Hi, I have a physics problem that I am not sure how I should be approaching:

    Consider a sample consisting of 10.0L of air at absolute pressure 2.00 atm, with density 2.40 kg/m^3. Find the work required to transport it to a depth of 10.3m with its temperature, volume, and pressure remaining constant.

    What should I be looking for in this question? My intuition tells me I should be looking for the change in energy as it changes depth. How should I be thinking about this question?

    Any helpful hints would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
  2. jcsd
  3. Jan 15, 2006 #2


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    Think in terms of forces. Work done is force x distance moved. How much force do you have to exert on the sample to move it to that depth. Also the problem suggests that you will have to do work against the pressure change. (pressure= force/area).
  4. Jan 15, 2006 #3
    Since there is no area mentioned, I am assuming I won't have to deal with pressures.

    So, if I calculate the net unbalanced force (Buoyant force - Gravitational = Force Needed to Submerge) and multiply it by the depth, I should get the work required. However, the buoyant force is different at every depth, so how will I overcome this problem?
  5. Jan 15, 2006 #4
    Here is how I attempt to solve it:

    B=buoyant force, r(w) = density of water, r(a) = density of air, V=volume of gas, h=depth

    Fnet = B - Fg = r(w)gh - r(a)gV = 1000*9.81*h - 2.40*9.81*10 = 981h - 235.44

    and.. since the forces vary with depth,

    W = integral of (981h -235.44) from 0 to 10.3m,
    which gives a resulting work of ~49612 Joules.

    Is this correct?

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