Is T=PV-M the Correct Formula for Calculating Buoyancy in Water?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter malek340
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Buoyancy Water
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the formula T=PV-M and its application to calculating buoyancy in water. Participants explore the relationship between the tension in a floating object, the density of the fluid, the volume of the object, and the mass of the object and any additional loads. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and practical implications of buoyancy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that T=PV-M is a valid formula for calculating buoyancy, where P is the density of the fluid, v is the volume of the object, and M is the mass of the object.
  • One participant describes a specific scenario involving an object that can float due to trapped air and carries an additional load, questioning the application of the formula in this context.
  • Another participant points out a potential confusion between weight forces and mass, suggesting that the formula does not contradict the lecturer's statement about air's buoyancy.
  • A participant provides specific object specifications, including mass and target tension, and expresses difficulty reconciling the calculated volume of air needed for buoyancy with the expected results.
  • There is a question about whether T represents tension in a tether holding the object underwater or an upward force supporting the buoyant object, which affects the analysis of the forces involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct application of the formula T=PV-M for buoyancy. There are competing interpretations of how to account for the forces acting on the floating object, and some participants express uncertainty about the relationship between the formula and the lecturer's teachings.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential confusion regarding the definitions of tension and buoyancy forces, as well as the assumptions underlying the calculations. There are unresolved mathematical steps in relating the formula to the specific scenario described.

malek340
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
I believe that T=PV-M. P is density of fluid surrounding the object, v is volume of object and M is the mass of object.

So i have this object which is able to float due to air trapped inside it. This object is able to carry an extra load of 10 kg. So my formula would be,

T= [p*(vol of object + vol of air + vol of load)]-(mass of object + mass of load+mass of air),

Am i right?

However, my lecturer taught us that 1Kcm^3 of air would be able to float up/lift up a mass of 1kg. I find that this idea contradicts with the formula given. So u guys have any idea on who is right?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
T would be the tension of object floating in water
 
malek340 said:
I believe that T=PV-M. P is density of fluid surrounding the object, v is volume of object and M is the mass of object.

So i have this object which is able to float due to air trapped inside it. This object is able to carry an extra load of 10 kg. So my formula would be,

T= [p*(vol of object + vol of air + vol of load)]-(mass of object + mass of load+mass of air),

Am i right?

However, my lecturer taught us that 1Kcm^3 of air would be able to float up/lift up a mass of 1kg. I find that this idea contradicts with the formula given. So u guys have any idea on who is right?
You are mixing up your weight forces and your mass, btw. But your formula looks OK. It doesn't seem to clash with what your lecturer is saying. 1000cm3 has a mass of 1kg (weight 10N) so those figures imply that your upthrust will support a weight of 10N (mass= 1kg). In your formula, T would be zero- implying the total bouyancy would be neutral. He is just cutting a corner and saying that the density of the object being suspended is so high, compared with the air, that it is displacing a negligible amount of extra water.
 
This is my object specifications
Mass of object= 18kg
Mass of load=10kg
Target tension(t)=4kg

So this is what he mentioned, the total mass of the object, together with the load of 10kg, would be 32kg(18+10+4).
So he assumed that 32kcm^3 of air would make it float with 4kg lift/tension.

However by using the formula T=pV-m, the volume of air that i would obtain would be different.
I can't seem to find a reason to tally the answers
 
Can you confirm that T is the tension in a tether, holding the object under water? (It's not clear in the OP). If that is the case, the bouyancy force must balance the downwards forces of (18+10+4)g.

If T is an upwards force, partially supporting the buoyant object, the downwards forces are (18+10)g so, to find the bouyancy force needed, you subtract the 4g tension force from that.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
9K
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
9K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
9K
Replies
7
Views
3K