Does the buoyant force change in different fluids?

In summary, the buoyant force acting on two objects of identical density and weight floating on water and saltwater will be the same, as long as they are both floating in equilibrium. This is because the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced, which is the same for both objects. However, if the objects were fully immersed, the buoyant force would be different due to the difference in the amount of fluid displaced.
  • #1
jayadds
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Given two objects of identical density and weight, one is floating on water and the other is floating on saltwater. Is the magnitude of buoyant force acting on the object the same in the two situations? From my thinking, it seems that the weight of the object in the the two situations should not change and so the buoyant force should not change as well (Archimedes principle). Correct me if I'm wrong in that thinking.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
If both objects are floating in equilibrium, the upwards force on each object (buoyant force) must be equal to the downwards force (weight), so you are correct.

The buoyant force is equal to the weight of the amount of fluid displaced, so the object floating on saltwater will displace less fluid and therefore float higher than the object floating on pure water.
 
  • #3
However, if the object was fully immersed in water, then the bouyant force WOULD be different.
 

1. Does the buoyant force change in different fluids?

Yes, the buoyant force is affected by the density of the fluid. The denser the fluid, the greater the buoyant force.

2. What is the relationship between buoyant force and fluid density?

The buoyant force is directly proportional to the density of the fluid. This means that as the density of the fluid increases, the buoyant force also increases.

3. How does the buoyant force change in a fluid with varying depths?

The buoyant force does not change with varying depths. It is solely dependent on the density of the fluid and the volume of the object submerged.

4. Is the buoyant force affected by the shape of an object?

Yes, the shape of an object can affect the buoyant force. Objects with a larger surface area will experience a greater buoyant force compared to objects with a smaller surface area.

5. Can the buoyant force act in different directions?

Yes, the buoyant force always acts in the opposite direction of the force of gravity. In other words, it acts upwards towards the surface of the fluid.

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