CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2016 · Paper 2 · Question 4(c)(ii)

In the experiment shown in Figure 9, it was found that the reading on the spring balance changed from 2.1 N to 1.8 N as the metal ornament was lowered into the measuring cylinder containing water. The height of water in the cylinder rose from the 50 cm³ mark to the 80 cm³ mark. When the cylinder contained corn oil instead of water, it was found that the height of oil rose by the same amount (as when in water), but the reading on the spring balance changed from 2.1 N to 1.87 N.

Outline the reason why the reading on the spring balance was lower when the ornament was immersed in water than when it was immersed in corn oil.

This question uses a figure or table from the paper — you'll see it when you practise.