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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. 

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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.