Published by:
CGP EDU Academic Team
Published on: September 12, 2026
A vessel containing water is in equilibrium on a beam-balance. Will equilibrium be affected if you put your finger into the water without touching the bottom of the vessel (Fig.).

Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsThe correct answer is:
A
Step 1: When the finger is placed into the water, it displaces some volume of water.
Step 2: According to Archimedes' principle, this displaced water will exert an upward buoyant force that equals the weight of the water displaced.
Step 3: The total weight on the beam balance is now the weight of the water plus the weight of the displaced water, which remains unchanged.
Step 4: Since the mass of water in the vessel stays constant, and the weight adjustment occurs due to the buoyancy and displacement, the equilibrium will not be affected.
Therefore, the answer is A: No, the equilibrium will not be affected.
Step 2: According to Archimedes' principle, this displaced water will exert an upward buoyant force that equals the weight of the water displaced.
Step 3: The total weight on the beam balance is now the weight of the water plus the weight of the displaced water, which remains unchanged.
Step 4: Since the mass of water in the vessel stays constant, and the weight adjustment occurs due to the buoyancy and displacement, the equilibrium will not be affected.
Therefore, the answer is A: No, the equilibrium will not be affected.
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