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a1 32

In the photograph you see a graduated cylinder containing blue water, and a spherical flask.

 

If you pour the water from the graduated cylinder into the flask, which of the following statements will be true?

  • (a) The water will not fill up the sphere.
  • (b) The final water level will be somewhere in the cylindrical neck of the flask.
  • (c) The water in the cylinder will not fit into the flask.

 

After January 30th, 2015, click Read More for the answer.

The answer is (a): the water will not quite fill up the sphere, as can be seen in the photograph below. 

a1 32a

It is rather unexpected that all of the water would fit into the apparently smaller sphere. A spherical container is a very efficient way to store liquids.