1. What is Buoyant Force?

Definition: Buoyant force is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an immersed object, equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Purpose: This principle explains why objects float or sink and is fundamental in fluid mechanics and ship design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Archimedes' principle formula:

Where:

• \( F_b \) — Buoyant force (Newtons)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( V \) — Volume of displaced fluid (m³)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth)

Explanation: The product of fluid density, displaced volume, and gravitational acceleration gives the buoyant force.

3. Importance of Buoyant Force Calculation

Details: Understanding buoyancy is crucial for designing ships, submarines, flotation devices, and understanding natural phenomena.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid density, displaced volume, and gravitational acceleration (default 9.81 m/s²). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the density of water?
A: Fresh water is about 1000 kg/m³, seawater about 1025 kg/m³ at standard conditions.

Q2: How do I find displaced volume?
A: For fully submerged objects, it's the object's volume. For floating objects, it's the volume below the fluid surface.

Q3: Does this work for gases?
A: Yes, the principle applies to all fluids, including gases (like air for balloons), though densities are much lower.

Q4: What if my object isn't fully submerged?
A: Use only the volume that's actually submerged in the fluid for your calculation.

Q5: How does shape affect buoyancy?
A: Shape only matters in determining how much volume is submerged. The buoyant force itself depends only on displaced volume.