Understanding Absolute Pressure Changes in a Simple Buoyancy Problem

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    Buoyancy
In summary, when an object is submerged in water, the pressure at the bottom will be higher than if the object was not submerged.
  • #1
mps
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Homework Statement


An object suspended in water is lifted out of the water. How does the absolute pressure at the bottom of the water change?


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


Wouldn't the absolute pressure not change if the object is still directly over the water? Because I thought the entire air column weighed down on the water, so the object would as well. No?
 
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  • #2
If you take the object out of the water, how does the height of the water change? Also, the pressure at the bottom of a collum of water is the product of it's density, g, and the height of the water in the container.

P = dgh

If you have a scale, do the experiment for yourself. Put a container of water on the scale, suspend an object in the water, then pull it out and see if the weight changes.
 
  • #3
but doesn't the air column above push on the surface of the water which pushes on the bottom?
also, say submerging an object makes the water height h0. Is the pressure at the bottom with submerged object higher, lower or the same as the pressure at the bottom of a water column at height h0 (no submerged object)
gracias!
 
  • #4
mps said:
but doesn't the air column above push on the surface of the water which pushes on the bottom?
also, say submerging an object makes the water height h0. Is the pressure at the bottom with submerged object higher, lower or the same as the pressure at the bottom of a water column at height h0 (no submerged object)
gracias!

Yes, the air above the water will push on the surface, but it is just going to be at atmospheric pressure. It won't change.
 
  • #5
thanks! could you please answer my other question too?
 
  • #6
When you submerge the object, it will displace some water and push up the water a bit. The greater depth of water causes a greater pressure at the bottom.
 
  • #7
What i mean is if the depth of water is the same in both situations but in one situation, the water encloses an object.
 
  • #8
In that case, the pressure at the bottom will remain the same.
 
  • #9
Thank you flatmaster!
 

1. What is buoyancy?

Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object that is submerged or floating in the fluid. It is a result of the difference in pressure between the top and bottom of the object.

2. How is buoyancy calculated?

The buoyancy force is calculated by multiplying the density of the fluid, the acceleration due to gravity, and the volume of the displaced fluid. This can be represented by the equation Fb = ρVg, where ρ is the fluid density, V is the volume of the displaced fluid, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

3. What factors affect buoyancy?

The buoyancy force is affected by the density of the fluid, the volume of the object, and the depth at which the object is submerged. Additionally, the shape and weight distribution of the object can also impact the buoyancy force.

4. How does buoyancy apply to real-life situations?

Buoyancy is a fundamental concept in many everyday scenarios, such as swimming, boating, and hot air ballooning. It also plays a crucial role in the design and construction of ships, submarines, and other watercraft.

5. What is the difference between buoyancy and weight?

Weight refers to the force of gravity acting on an object, while buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object. In order for an object to float, the buoyancy force must be greater than the weight of the object. If the weight is greater, the object will sink.

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