1. What is the Equation for Buoyant Force?

Definition: The buoyant force equation calculates the upward force exerted by a fluid on an immersed object, according to Archimedes' principle.

Purpose: It helps determine whether objects will float, sink, or remain neutrally buoyant in fluids.

2. How Does the Equation Work?

The equation is:

Where:

• \( F_b \) — Buoyant 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 buoyant force equals the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

3. Importance of Buoyant Force Calculation

Details: Understanding buoyancy is crucial for ship design, submarine operations, hot air balloons, and many engineering applications involving fluids.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between buoyant force and weight?
A: Buoyant force acts upward (fluid's force on object), while weight acts downward (gravity's force on object's mass).

Q2: How does saltwater differ from freshwater in buoyancy?
A: Saltwater has higher density (~1025 kg/m³) than freshwater (~1000 kg/m³), creating greater buoyant force.

Q3: What happens if buoyant force equals the object's weight?
A: The object will be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor rising.

Q4: Does shape affect buoyant force?
A: Only indirectly - the key factor is the volume of fluid displaced, not the object's shape.

Q5: How is this used in real-world applications?
A: Ship designers use it to determine hull volume needed for flotation, and divers use it to calculate proper weighting.