Buoyant Force Calculation for Floating Block of Wood - Homework Question

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SUMMARY

The buoyant force acting on a 0.5 kg block of wood floating in water is calculated using the equation B = Wfl, where Wfl represents the weight of the fluid displaced. The weight of the block, determined by W = mg, is 4.9 N, which directly corresponds to the buoyant force since the block is floating. This indicates that the buoyant force equals the weight of the block, confirming that the calculation is correct and not overly simplistic.

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  • Understanding of buoyancy principles
  • Familiarity with the equation W = mg for weight calculation
  • Knowledge of fluid density concepts
  • Basic grasp of volume displacement in fluids
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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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