Buoyant Force Calculation for Floating Block of Wood - Homework Question

AI Thread Summary
The buoyant force acting on a floating block of wood can be calculated using the weight of the block, which is 4.9 N. The equations provided suggest that the buoyant force equals the weight of the fluid displaced by the block, which is equal to the weight of the block itself when it is floating. There is confusion regarding the application of the equations given by the professor, but since the block is floating, the buoyant force must indeed equal its weight. Therefore, the buoyant force is confirmed to be 4.9 N. Understanding that the block's weight and buoyant force are equal simplifies the problem.
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Homework Statement



A 0.5 kg block of wood is floating in water. What is the magnitude of the buoyant force acting on the block.

Homework Equations



:confused: :confused: :confused:

B=Buoyant force: W=weight; fl=fluid; m=mass; V=volume; DEN=density;

There are a couple of equations that our professor gave us, but I am totally confused how to use them.

B=Wfl & Wfl=Wm & Vm>Vfl & DENflVfl=DENmVm


The Attempt at a Solution



I have figured weight of the mass--W=mg, which is 4.9N

Looking at the first two equations, I would lean toward the thought that 4.9N is the answer, but that seems too easy. Am I making this more complicated than it needs to be, or I am truly as confused as I feel?
 
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Sometimes questions are easy. You are correct - after all the block is floating.
 

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