Buoyant Force

Buoyant force is the upward force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid. It is responsible for making objects float or appear to weigh less in a fluid medium.

To calculate the buoyant force acting on an object, we use Archimedes' principle. According to this principle, the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Formula for Calculating Buoyant Force

The formula to calculate the buoyant force (Fb) is:

Fb = ρ * V * g

Where:

• ρ represents the density of the fluid
• V is the volume of the fluid displaced by the object
• g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²)

Example Calculation

Let's say we have a solid object with a volume of 0.1 m³ submerged in water. The density of water is approximately 1000 kg/m³. Using the formula, we can calculate the buoyant force as follows:

Fb = 1000 kg/m³ * 0.1 m³ * 9.8 m/s² = 980 N

Therefore, the buoyant force acting on the object is 980 Newtons.

Conclusion

Understanding how to calculate the buoyant force allows us to determine the behavior of objects in fluids. By using Archimedes' principle and the formula provided, we can accurately predict the upward force exerted on objects submerged in a fluid.