Is Buoyancy Different on Other Planets Due to Changes in Gravity?

[JLIYING]

I'm looking at a question in a grade 8 science textbook.

It asks what would happen to the buoyancy force if gravity was increased or decreased. I.e. is buoyancy different on other planets?

Since the buoyancy force is a factor of pressure differentials due to the weight of the fluid, therefore I believe the buoyancy force would increase if gravity increased. But is it proportional to the increase in the weight of an object?

 

[Dickfore]

The equation for buoyancy force is:

$$F_{B} = \rho \, g \, V$$

where $\rho$ -- density of the liquid,
$g$-- acceleration due to gravity, and
$V$-- volume of the displaced liquid.

Which one of these changes in your situation and how does $F_{B}$ depend on it?

 

[GRDixon]

The equation for buoyancy force is:

$$F_{B} = \rho \, g \, V$$

where $\rho$ -- density of the liquid,
$g$-- acceleration due to gravity, and
$V$-- volume of the displaced liquid.

Which one of these changes in your situation and how does $F_{B}$ depend on it?

g does! Thus the buoyancy is indeed greater in a stronger gravitational field.

 

[phinds]

g does! Thus the buoyancy is indeed greater in a stronger gravitational field.

I think the POINT of dickfore's post was to get jliying to THINK rather than just give him the answer as you did.

 

[Drakkith]

Aye, homework and related questions have special rules when posting and when answering. In the future just remember to post your homework questions in the homework forums, and for those that answered remember that we cannot just give people answers. (While this specific question MIGHT not be homework in itself, it is from a schoolbook)

 

[GRDixon]

I think the POINT of dickfore's post was to get jliying to THINK rather than just give him the answer as you did.

You're right of course. Shame on me. I realized how dumb my answer was about 5 seconds after hitting the Submit button.