Why Does Density Matter for Buoyant Force?

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SUMMARY

The buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid is determined solely by the density of the fluid, not the density of the object itself. This is because the buoyant force arises from the pressure difference created by the fluid's density. Even if an object of different density is placed in the same fluid, the buoyant force remains unchanged as long as the object's shape and size are constant. In equilibrium, the buoyant force equals the weight of the object, confirming that the fluid's density is the critical factor.

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Cromptu
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Why is the fluid's density taken in the buoyant force?
If the system is in equilibrium, then isn't the buoyant force compensating for the weight of the object? In such a case, shouldn't the density of the object be considered?

Please help!
 
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Cromptu said:
Why is the fluid's density taken in the buoyant force?
If the system is in equilibrium, then isn't the buoyant force compensating for the weight of the object? In such a case, shouldn't the density of the object be considered?
The buoyant force is due to the net effect of the fluid pressure on the object. That depends on the density of the fluid. The density of the object is irrelevant: Replace the object with another of same shape and size but different density and the buoyant force will be the same. Of course, if the object is in equilibrium, then you know that the buoyant force must equal its weight.
 

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