Upthrust vs Weight: Object Immersion in Fluids

  • Thread starter Thread starter MBBphys
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Upthrust Weight
Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
2 replies · 2K views
MBBphys
Gold Member
Messages
55
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Object immersed in fluid.
If weight larger than upthrust, it sinks. If less, it floats. If weight equal to upthrust, it floats, right?
Thanks!

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


N/A
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That would constitute neutral buoyancy. In reality it could never quite happen (unless the object is a notional parcel of the fluid itself). It would not properly be described as either floating or sinking. It would just stay wherever it is put, as long as it is fully immersed. It could be touching the surface, touching the floor, or anywhere in between.
 
MBBphys said:

Homework Statement


Object immersed in fluid.
If weight larger than upthrust, it sinks. If less, it floats. If weight equal to upthrust, it floats, right?
Thanks!

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


N/A
If by 'upthrust' you mean buoyancy, the terms 'positive buoyancy', 'negative buoyancy', and 'neutral buoyancy' have specific meanings in this context.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutral_buoyancy