1. What is Buoyancy Force?

Definition: Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an immersed object.

Principle: According to Archimedes' Principle, the buoyant force on a submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.

2. How Does the Buoyancy Formula Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( F_b \) — Buoyancy force (Newtons, N)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kilograms per cubic meter, kg/m³)
• \( V \) — Volume of displaced fluid (cubic meters, m³)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (meters per second squared, m/s²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the upward force based on the mass of displaced fluid (ρ×V) multiplied by gravitational acceleration.

3. Importance of Buoyancy Calculation

Applications: Essential for ship design, submarine operations, hot air balloons, hydrometers, and understanding floating/sinking objects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid density (1000 kg/m³ for water), displaced volume, and gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between buoyancy and flotation?
A: Buoyancy is the upward force, while flotation occurs when buoyancy equals the object's weight.

Q2: How does saltwater affect buoyancy?
A: Saltwater is denser (≈1025 kg/m³) than freshwater, creating greater buoyant force for the same volume.

Q3: Does shape affect buoyancy force?
A: Only the displaced volume matters - shape affects whether an object floats but not the magnitude of F_b.

Q4: What's a typical density for freshwater?
A: Pure water at 4°C is 1000 kg/m³. Warmer water is slightly less dense.

Q5: How is this used in concrete applications?
A: Understanding buoyancy helps design floating concrete structures and calculate formwork uplift forces.