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Buoyancy Force Formula:
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Buoyancy force is the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an object immersed in it. This principle was first described by Archimedes and is fundamental to understanding why objects float or sink in fluids.
The calculator uses the buoyancy force formula:
Where:
Explanation: The buoyant force equals the weight of the fluid displaced by the object, according to Archimedes' principle.
Details: Calculating buoyancy force is essential in shipbuilding, submarine design, hot air ballooning, and understanding fluid mechanics. It helps determine whether an object will float, sink, or remain neutrally buoyant in a fluid.
Tips: Enter the fluid density in kg/m³, the volume of displaced fluid in m³, and gravitational acceleration in m/s². Standard Earth gravity is 9.81 m/s². All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is Archimedes' principle?
A: Archimedes' principle states that the upward buoyant force exerted on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid the body displaces.
Q2: How does object density affect buoyancy?
A: If an object's average density is less than the fluid density, it will float. If it's greater, it will sink. If equal, it will remain suspended (neutral buoyancy).
Q3: Does shape affect buoyancy force?
A: The shape itself doesn't affect the magnitude of buoyancy force (which depends only on displaced volume), but it does affect stability and whether an object will float upright.
Q4: How is buoyancy different in saltwater vs freshwater?
A: Saltwater has higher density (about 1025 kg/m³) than freshwater (1000 kg/m³), so objects float higher in saltwater and experience greater buoyant force.
Q5: Can buoyancy be negative?
A: Buoyancy force is always directed upward. If an object is denser than the fluid, it will sink, but the buoyancy force still acts upward while gravity pulls it down.