Solution to: Eureka!

At the start, the upward force, needed to keep the bar of gold floating, equals the weight of the gold. Therefore, the weight of the displaced water equals the weight of the gold. In the end, the amount the displaced water equals the volume of the bar of gold. Since the density of water is less than that of gold, the weight of displaced water is then less than the weight of the gold.

Conclusion: the water level will be lower when the bar of gold has sunk to the bottom of the aquarium.


Back to the puzzle
This website uses cookies. By further use of this website, or by clicking on 'Continue', you give permission for the use of cookies. If you want more information, look at our cookie policy.