1. What is the Buoyant Force Formula?

The buoyant force formula, also known as Archimedes' principle, states that the upward buoyant force exerted on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces. This principle explains why objects float or sink in fluids.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the buoyant force formula:

Where:

• \( F_b \) — Buoyant force (Newtons)
• \( \rho \) — Density of the fluid (kg/m³)
• \( V \) — Volume of fluid displaced (m³)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object submerged in it, which opposes the weight of the object.

3. Importance of Buoyant Force Calculation

Details: Calculating buoyant force is essential in various fields including naval architecture, marine engineering, fluid mechanics, and designing floating structures. It helps determine whether an object will float, sink, or remain neutrally buoyant in a fluid.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid density in kg/m³, the volume of fluid displaced in m³, and the gravitational acceleration in m/s². Standard gravity is approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth's surface. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Archimedes' principle?
A: Archimedes' principle states that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This principle was discovered by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes.

Q2: Does buoyant force depend on the object's material?
A: No, the buoyant force depends only on the density of the fluid and the volume of fluid displaced, not on the material of the submerged object.

Q3: How is buoyant force related to floating and sinking?
A: If the buoyant force is greater than the object's weight, it will float. If less, it will sink. If equal, it will remain suspended at that depth (neutral buoyancy).

Q4: Can this formula be used for gases as well as liquids?
A: Yes, Archimedes' principle applies to all fluids, including both liquids and gases. For gases, the density is much lower, resulting in smaller buoyant forces.

Q5: What are some real-world applications of buoyancy?
A: Ship design, submarine operation, hot air balloons, hydrometers, life jackets, and many other technologies rely on principles of buoyancy.