Would PVC sink or float in methanol? Explained
Explanation of PVC and Methanol Density
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic plastic polymer widely used in construction, healthcare, packaging, and other industries. The density of PVC can vary depending on its formulation and manufacturing process, but it generally ranges from 1.1 to 1.48 g/mL.
Methanol is a type of alcohol with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is commonly used as a solvent, fuel, and antifreeze. The density of methanol is given as 0.791 g/mL.
Comparison of PVC and Methanol Density
To determine whether PVC would sink or float in methanol, we need to compare their densities. As mentioned earlier, the density of PVC ranges from 1.1 to 1.48 g/mL, while the density of methanol is 0.791 g/mL. Therefore, PVC is denser than methanol.
Principle of Buoyancy
According to the principle of buoyancy, an object will sink in a fluid if its density is greater than the fluid's density, and it will float if its density is less. This is due to the buoyant force exerted by the fluid on the object, which is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.
Conclusion
Based on the comparison of PVC and methanol densities, we can conclude that PVC will sink in methanol. This is because PVC has a higher density than methanol, meaning it has more mass per unit volume. Therefore, the buoyant force acting on PVC in methanol will be less than its weight, causing it to sink.
if the sample of pvc in question 7 was placed into methanol which has a dnesity of 0.791g/ml, would hte pvc sink or float. explain?
To answer this question, we need to compare the density of PVC with the density of methanol. The density of PVC can vary depending on its formulation and manufacturing process, but it generally ranges from 1.1 to 1.48 g/mL. The density of methanol is given as 0.791 g/mL. Therefore, PVC is denser than methanol. This means that PVC will sink in methanol, because it has more mass per unit volume than methanol. A substance will sink in a liquid if its density is greater than the liquid’s density, and it will float if its density is less than the liquid’s density. This is because of the buoyant force that acts on a submerged object, which is equal to the weight of the displaced liquid. If the weight of the object is greater than the weight of the displaced liquid, the object will sink. If the weight of the object is less than the weight of the displaced liquid, the object will float. Therefore, the answer is: The PVC will sink in methanol because it has a higher density than methanol.