You have a cube of ice floating in a glass of water. The question is what fraction of the ice will be above the water line? Assume that the ice is not bobbing.
Most of you have probably heard the answer to this before. But please provide a proof or solution, along with your assumptions.
For instance, if the question does not clarify the condition it wants to ask, there could be more than one answer and that implies that my answer is still uncertainty to the question that it brings out.
You could use salt water in the Dead Sea to examine the fraction of ice cube that is above the water line. Others could use sea water. Another could use river water. There is no absolute answer for this.
I disagree your point of view in the sense that you insist it must be normal circumstances since the question does not mention that. In reality, there are sea water, rain water, dirty water & etc.
I see the question in the broader view. However, you narrow the problem to only pure water and ordinary circumstances.
I agree & I never deny your solution is wrong but it is only applicable to only a certain circumstances. In other circumstances, it can never be the same fraction of ice cube above the water line. It is subject to uncertainty of conditions.
My conclusion that I brings about is based on the general rule. The overall view whether it is sea water or river water or whatsoever.
If I have to ask you what fraction of ice cube could be in the sea water as well as in the ordinary and pure water with normal circumstances apply. Of course, you will furnish to me two different fractions of ice cube to be above water line.
You could not say my answer is wrong since I base on the general rule & the overall situation instead of scrutinizing myself to a number of restrictions and limitations.
I do not want to offend people and I never like to offend people. But I express my uncertainty in the question.
If any offence, I apologize you'll.
Thanks.
Edited on April 22, 2005, 2:32 am
Reply to Tristan
