Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2001/ib/paper-1/6g/solution

Take positive downwards, and let the surface pressure be . Static force balance gives the hydrostatic pressure equation . Hence
On a submerged body's surface, pressure traction is , where points out of the body. The divergence theorem gives the resultant
Thus the buoyancy is upward with magnitude , proving Archimedes' principle. The constant surface pressure makes no contribution because .
For a floating iceberg of total volume , the displaced seawater volume is . Neglecting air buoyancy, equality of weight and buoyancy gives . Consequently
with , as required for partial flotation.

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