Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object placed within it. This force is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid and is responsible for making objects float or sink.
According to Archimedes' principle, the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid that is displaced by the object. If the object is less dense than the fluid, it will experience an upward force and float. If the object is denser than the fluid, it will experience a downward force and sink.
The buoyant force on an object is affected by the density of the fluid, the volume of the object, and the gravitational force acting on the object. Additionally, the shape and position of the object in the fluid can also affect the buoyant force.
Buoyancy and density are inversely related. An object with a lower density than the fluid will experience a greater buoyant force and float, while an object with a higher density will experience a smaller buoyant force and sink.
No, buoyancy is always a positive force. However, if an object is denser than the fluid, the buoyant force will act in the opposite direction and be considered negative. This is why objects sink in water, as the downward force of gravity is greater than the upward buoyant force.