Understanding Buoyancy: Weight of Displaced Water vs. Weight of Submerged Boat

Thread starter cpmustang90
Start date Mar 1, 2015
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Buoyancy

In summary, buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged or floating object. It is calculated by multiplying the density of the fluid, the volume of the displaced fluid, and the acceleration due to gravity. The shape and density of an object affect its buoyancy, with larger and less dense objects experiencing more buoyancy. There are two types of buoyancy: positive, where the object floats, and negative, where it sinks. Buoyancy is used in everyday life in various applications and is also important in understanding atmospheric and oceanic processes.

Mar 1, 2015

cpmustang90

My question is when a boat is floating on top of the water is the weight of water that is being displaced greater than the weight of the entire boat, or just the portion that is submerged?

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Mar 1, 2015

Dale

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It is equal to the weight of the entire boat.

1. What is buoyancy?

Buoyancy is the upward force that a fluid (such as water or air) exerts on an object that is submerged or floating in it. It is a result of the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the object.

2. How is buoyancy calculated?

Buoyancy is calculated by multiplying the density of the fluid, the volume of the displaced fluid, and the acceleration due to gravity. This is known as Archimedes' principle: Fb = ρVg, where Fb is the buoyant force, ρ is the density of the fluid, V is the volume of the displaced fluid, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

3. How does the shape of an object affect its buoyancy?

The shape of an object affects its buoyancy because it determines the amount of fluid it displaces. Objects with a larger volume will displace more fluid and thus experience a greater buoyant force. Additionally, objects with a lower density (such as a balloon) will experience more buoyancy than objects with a higher density (such as a rock).

4. What is the difference between positive and negative buoyancy?

Positive buoyancy occurs when the buoyant force is greater than the weight of an object, causing it to float. Negative buoyancy occurs when the weight of an object is greater than the buoyant force, causing it to sink.

5. How is buoyancy used in everyday life?

Buoyancy is used in many everyday applications, such as in boats, submarines, hot air balloons, and swimming. It is also important in understanding the behavior of gases in the atmosphere and the movement of ocean currents.