UPTHRUST IN FLUIDS, ARCHIMEDES’ PRINCIPLE & FLOATATION

Class: IX (CH: 5) Page: - 98-118

Exercise 5 (A)
Ans.1: When a body is partially or wholly immersed in a liquid, an upward force acts on it. This upward
force is known as upthrust or buoyant force.
Experiment: We take an empty can and close its mouth with an airtight stopper. Then we put it in a tub
filled with water. It floats with a large portion of it above the surface of water and only a small portion of it
below the surface of water. On pushing the can into water, an upward force is felt and it is found to be
difficult to push the can further into water. It is also noticed that as the can is pushed more and more into
water, more and more force is needed to push the can further into water till it is completely immersed.
When the can is fully inside the water, a constant force is needed to keep it stationary in that position. On
releasing the can at this position, it is noticed that the can bounces back to the surface and starts floating
again. This shows the existence the upthrust in fluids.
Ans.2: The buoyant force acts in an upward direction and at the centre of buoyancy.
Ans.3: The property of fluid to exert an upward force on a body immersed in it, is called buoyancy.
Ans.4: The upward force exerted on a body by the fluid in which it is submerged, is called the upthrust or
buoyant force. It is denoted by the symbol FB. The S.I unit of upthrust is newton (N) or kgf.
Ans.5: Liquid pressure increases with depth inside the liquid. A body immersed in a liquid experiences a
greater pressure at the lower face than at the upper face, which is at a lesser depth. The difference in
pressures due to liquid on the upper and lower faces of a body immersed in a liquid causes a net upward
force or upthrust on the body. The thrust on the side walls of body gets neutralized as they are equal in
magnitude and opposite in directions. If the pressure exerted by the liquid on the upper face of cross-
section area A is P1 and the pressure exerted on the lower face of same cross-section area is P2, then
upthrust = (P2 ̶ P1) A.
Upthrust acts at the centre of buoyancy (the centre of gravity of the displaced liqud).
Ans.6: The weight of the wood acting vertically downwards is less than the upthrust exerted by water on it.
This is why, a force is required to keep the block of wood inside water.
Ans.7: A piece of wood if left under water comes to the surface because the buoyant force exerted by
water in upward direction is more than the weight the wood.
Ans.8: Aim: To show that a body immersed in a liquid appears lighter.
Materials required: A metal block, a spring balance, trough filled with water.
Procedure: We take a metal block and weigh it in a spring balance in air. Then we lower it in a trough
containing water, taking care that the metal block does not touch the sides and bottom of the trough.
Observation: On completely immersing the metal block in water it is observed that the water level in the
trough rises and the pointer of the spring balance goes up. This shows that the metal block loses weight.
Conclusion: The loss in weight is due to upthrust or buoyant force of water on the metal block. The
buoyant force acting on the metal block is equal to the weight of water displaced by its immersed part.
Ans.9: The pointer of the spring balance rises up showing loss in weight of the metal solid immersed in
water. The loss in weight of the metal solid is due to upthrust or buoyant force of water on the metal solid.
Ans.10: The weight of a body is more in vacuum than in air. The body kept in air experiences an upthrust
due to surrounding air and hence loses weight.
Ans.11: The two factors on which upthrust (buoyancy) on a body depend are:
(i) volume of the body submerged in liquid or fluid. Larger the volume of body submerged in a fluid, greater
is the upthrust. (directly proportional)
(ii) density of the liquid or fluid in which the body is submerged. For the same volume inside the fluid more
the density of fluid, greater is the upthrust.(directly proportional)
Ans.12: Upthrust is directly proportional to the volume of the body submerged in a liquid. More the
volume of the body submerged in a liquid, more is the liquid displaced by it. More is the liquid displaced,
more is its weight. Since, the upthrust acting on the body is equal to the weight of the liquid displaced by
the immersed part so it increases with the increase in volume of the submerged part.
Ans.13: The stone falls faster than the bunch of feathers on releasing simultaneously in air from a height.
The reason is that upthrust due to air on stone is less than on the bunch of feathers because the volume of
stone is less than that of the bunch of feathers of same mass.
In vacuum both the bunch of feathers and stone will fall together. It is because there is no upthrust acting
on them.
Ans.14: F2 is more than F1. It is because the density of sea water is more than that of river water. A denser
liquid exerts a greater upthrust.
Ans.15: On releasing the block of wood, it is noticed that it bounces back more in glycerine than in water. It
bounces back to the surface and starts floating on the surface of the glycerine. The volume of wood
immersed in glycerine is smaller as compared to the volume of wood immersed in water.
Ans.16: Given:Volume of body= V; density of body= 𝜌; density of liquid= 𝜌𝐿 ; acceleration due to gravity= g.
(i) Weight of the body = V 𝜌 g.
(ii) Upthrust on the body = V𝜌𝐿 g.
(iii) Apparent weight of the body in liquid = V (𝜌 - 𝜌𝐿 ) g.
(iv) Loss in weight of the body = V𝜌𝐿 g.
Ans.17: Diagram showing the directions of F1 ( force due to gravity) and F2 (
buoyant force).
The conditions are;
(i) If F2 > F1, the body will float partly immersed with only that much part of it
inside liquid
(ii) If F2 = F1, the body will float with whole of it immerse inside the liquid.
(iii) If F2 < F1, the body will sink ( ignore the viscous force of the liquid).
Ans.18: Fill in the blanks : (from book)
Ans.19:
Ans.20: Volume of water displaced by the sphere of iron and wood are equal. Hence, the weight of water
displaced by both the spheres is equal. Since upthrust is equal to the weight of water displaced so the
upthrust experienced by both the spheres is equal. Thus, the ratio of the upthrust on the two spheres is
1:1.
Ans.21: The sphere made of iron will sink in water. It is because the density of iron is more than the density
of water. So, the weight of iron sphere is more than the upthrust due to water on it. But the density of
wood is less than the density of water, so weight of wooden sphere is less compared to the upthrust due to
water on it. This is why, it will float with its that volume submerged inside water by which upthrust due to
water on it balances its weight.
Ans.22: The density of material of a body determines whether it will float or sink in water. If the density of
the body is more than that of the density of water then it will sink. If the density of the body is equal to the
density of water then it will float with whole of its volume inside water. If the density of body is less than
the density of water then it will float with only that much volume inside water by which the upthrust on
the body balances its weight.
Ans.23: Density of body = 𝜌; density of liquid = 𝜌𝐿 .
The conditions are;
(i) The body will float when 𝜌 = 𝜌𝐿 or 𝜌 < 𝜌𝐿 .
(ii) The body will sink wnen 𝜌 > 𝜌𝐿 .
Ans.24: It is easier to lift a heavy stone under water than in air because the upthrust exerted by water on
the stone is more compared to that of air. The density of water is more than that of air and hence exerts
more buoyant force for the same volume of fluid displaced.
Ans.25: Archimedes’ principle states when a body is immersed partially or completely in a liquid it
experiences an upthrust, which is equal to the weight of the liquid displaced by it.
Ans.26: Aim: To verify the Archimedes’ principle.
Materials/apparatus required: A metallic piece, a spring balance, a eureka can, a measuring cylinder.
Procedure: We take a metallic piece and suspend it by a
thin thread from the hook of a spring balance. We note
down its weight in air. Now we take a eureka can and fill it
with water up to its spout. We Arrange a measuring
cylinder below the spout of the eureka can. Now immerse
the metallic piece gently into water of the eureka can. The
water displaced by it gets collected in the measuring
cylinder. When water stops dripping through the spout,
note the weight of the solid and the volume of water
collected in the measuring cylinder.
Let the weight of the metallic piece in air be 300 gf and
200 gf when completely immersed in water. The volume of
water collected in the measuring cylinder be 100 mL or 100 cm 3.
Therefore, loss in weight = (300 – 200) gf = 100 gf ……….. (i)
Volume of water displaced =Volume of solid = 100 cm 3.
Since density of water = 1 g cm – 3.
Therefore, weight of water displaced = 100 gf ……………..(ii)
From equations (i) and (ii),
Weight of water displaced = Upthrust or loss in weight.
Thus, the weight of water displaced by solid is equal to loss in weight of the solid. This verifies Archimedes’
principle.
Numericals: 5(A)
Sol.1: (i) Volume of body (V) = 100 cm 3 = 10 – 4 m 3.
Density of liquid (𝜌) = 1.8 x 10 3 kg m – 3.
Therefore, upthrust due to liquid (T) = V 𝜌 kgf
= (10 – 4 x 1.8 x 10 3) = 0.18 kgf.
(ii) Weight of body in air (W) = 5 kgf.
Upthrust due to liquid (T) = 0.18 kgf.
Therefore, the weight of the body in liquid (W’) = Weight of body in air (W) ̶ Upthrust due to liquid (T).
= (5 – 0.18) kgf.
= 4.82 kgf.
Sol.2: Weight of body in air (W) = 450 gf.
Weight of body when completely immersed in water (W’) = 310 gf. (Apparent weight)
Weight of body in air (W) ̶ Weight of body in water (W’)
(i) Volume of body (V) = cm 3
density of water
(450 ̶ 310)
= = 140 cm 3.
1
(ii) Loss in weight of the body = Weight of body in air (W) ̶ Weight of body in water (W’) = Upthrust.
= (450 ̶ 310) gf = 140 gf.
(iii) Upthrust on the body (T) = Weight of body in air (W) ̶ Weight of body in water (W’).
= (450 ̶ 310) gf = 140 gf.
Sol.3: Volume of iron ball A (V) = 15 cm 3.
Density of water (𝜌) = 1 g cm – 3
Therefore, upthrust on ball A = V𝜌 gf =
Numericals:

Sol.1: (i) Volume of body (V) = 100 cm 3 = 10 – 4 m 3.

Density of liquid (ρL ) = 1.8 x 10 3 kg m – 3.

Therefore, upthrust (FB) due to liquid (T) = (V ρL )kgf

= (10 – 4 x 1.8 x 10 3) = 0.18 kgf.

(ii) Weight of body in air (W) = 5 kgf.

Upthrust (FB) due to liquid = 0.18 kgf.

Therefore, the weight of the body in liquid (W ’) = Weight of body in air (W) ̶ Upthrust due to liquid (FB).

= (5 – 0.18) kgf.

= 4.82 kgf.

Sol.2: Weight of body in air (W) = 450 gf.

Weight of body when completely immersed in water (W ’) = 310 gf. (Apparent weight)
Weight of body in air (𝑊) ̶ Weight of body in water (𝑊 ’)
(i) Volume of body (V) = cm 3.
density of water

(450 ̶ 310)
= = 140 cm 3.
1

(ii) Loss in weight of the body = Weight of body in air (W) ̶ Weight of body in water (W ’) = Upthrust.

= (450 ̶ 310) gf = 140 gf.

(iii) Upthrust (FB) on the body = Weight of body in air (W) ̶ Weight of body in water (W ’).

= (450 ̶ 310) gf = 140 gf.

Sol.3: (a) For ball A:

Volume of iron ball A (VA) = 15 cm 3.

Density of water (ρW ) = 1 g cm – 3.

Mass (m) of ball A = 12g.

Therefore weight (WA) of ball A = 12 gf.

Therefore, upthrust (FB) on ball A = VρW g = (15 x 1) gf = 15 gf. [if it is fully submerged]

Since, the iron ball A floats partly submerged,

Therefore,

Upthrust (FB) on ball A = weight (WA) of ball A = 12 gf.

For ball B:

Mass (m) of ball B = 12 g

Density of iron (ρI ) = 8.0 g cm – 3.

Maas of ball B 12
Therefore, volume (VB) of ball B = Density of iron = = 1.5 cm 3.
8

Density of water (ρW ) = 1 g cm – 3

Upthrust(FB) on ball B = VρW g = (1.5 x 1) gf = 1.5 gf.

(b) Weight of ball A (WA) = 12 gf.

Upthrust on ball A (FB) = 15 gf.

Since, FB > WA , so ball A will float in water.

Mass (m) of ball B = 12 g

Therefore, weight of ball B (WB) = 12 gf.

Upthrust on ball B (FB) = 1.5 gf.

Since, FB < WB , so ball B will sink in water.

Sol.4: Given: density of solid (ρs ) = 5000 kg m – 3, weight of solid in air (W) = 0.5 kgf, density of water (ρ𝑤 ) =
1000 kg m – 3.

Weight of solid in air (W) = 0.5 kgf.

Therefore, mass of solid (m) = 0.5 kg.

Mass of solid 0.5
Volume of solid (V) = Density of solid = = 0.0001 m 3.
5000

Now, Upthrust (FB) = Vρg = (0.0001 x 1000) kgf = 0.1 kgf.

True weight of solid = Weight of solid in air (W) = 0.5 kgf.

We know, Upthrust (FB) = True weight – Apparent weight.

⇒ Apparent weight = True weight – Upthrust.

⇒ Apparent weight = (0.5 – 0.1) kgf.

⇒ Apparent weight = 0.4 kgf.

The apparent weight of the solid in water is 0.4 kgf.

Sol.5: For Sphere A:

Volume (V) = 100 cm 3.

Density of the material (wood) of sphere A (ρA ) = 0.3 g cm – 3.

Therefore, Mass of sphere A (m) = Density of material (wood) of sphere A (ρA ) x Volume of sphere A (V).

⇒ Mass of sphere A (m) = (0.3 x 100) g = 30 g.

a (i) Therefore weight of sphere A (𝑊A ) = 30 gf.

a (ii) Upthrust (FB ) on sphere A = weight of sphere A = 30 gf. [since, sphere B is partly submerged]

For sphere B:

Volume of sphere B (V) = 100 cm 3.

Density of material (iron) of sphere B (ρB ) = 8.9 g cm – 3.

Therefore, Mass of sphere B (m) = Density of material (iron) of sphere B (ρB ) x Volume of sphere B (V).

⇒ Mass of sphere B (m) = (8.9 x 100) g = 890 g.

a (i) Therefore weight of sphere B (𝑊B ) = 890 gf.

a (ii) Density of water (ρW ) = 1.0 g cm – 3.

Upthrust (FB ) on sphere B = Vρ𝑊 g = (100 x 1) gf = 100 gf.

(b) The sphere A will float. [ρA < ρW ]

Reason: The density of wood is less than the density of water.

Sol.6: Given: Mass of block (m) = 13.5 kg, Volume of block (V) = 15 x 10 – 3 m 3, density of water (ρW ) = 1000
kg m – 3.

(a) Upthrust (FB) on block = VρW g = (15 x 10 – 3 x 1000) kgf = 15 kgf.

(b) Mass of block (m) = 13.5 kg.

Therefore, weight of block in air (W) = 13.5 kgf.

Since, the weight of block (W) in air is less than upthrust (FB) when fully submerged, the block will float in
water.

(c) Upthrust (FB) on block while floating = weight of block in air (W) = 13.5 kgf.

Sol.7: Given: Weight of brass piece (W) in air = 175 gf, weight of brass piece when fully submerged in water
(W ‘) = 150 gf, density of water (ρW ) = 1.0 g cm – 3.

(i) Volume of brass piece (V) = Weight of brass piece (W) in air - weight of brass piece when fully
submerged in water (W ‘) = W - W ‘ = (175 – 150) = 25 cm 3. [ since, density of water is 1 g cm – 3]

(ii) The brass piece weigh less in water because of upthrust/buoyant force acting vertically upwards.
–3
Sol.8: Given: Each side of cube (a) = 5 cm, density of material (ρC ) of cube = 9.0 g cm , density of liquid
(ρL ) = 1.2 g cm – 3, acceleration due to gravity (g) = 10 m s – 2.

Volume of cube (V) = (side) 3 = (5 x 5 x 5) cm 3 = 125 cm 3

Mass of the cube (m) = density of material of cube (ρC ) x volume of cube (V) = (9 x 125) = 1125 g = 1.125
kg

Weight (W) of cube in air = 1.125 kgf.

Upthrust (FB) on cube = VρL g = (125 x 1.2) gf = 150 gf = 0.15 kgf.

Now, Apparent weight of cube = Weight (W) of cube in air - Upthrust (FB) = (1.125 – 0.15) = 0.975 kgf.

We know, 1 kgf = 10 N (app.)

⇒ 0.975 kgf = (10 x 0.975) = 9.75 N.

Therefore, Tension in thread (T) = Apparent weight of cube in liquid = 9.75 N.

Sol.9: Given: Dimensions of block = (50cm x 50cm x 50cm), acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 N kg – 1.

Volume of block (V) = 125000 cm 3 = 0.125 m 3.

Density of water (ρW ) = 1000 kg m – 3.

Therefore, buoyant force (FB)acting on the block = VρW g = (0.125 x 1000 x 9.8) = 1225 N.

The buoyant force acting on the submerged block is 1225 N.

Sol.10: Given, Mass (m) of body = 3.5 kg, water displaced when fully submerged = 1000 cm 3, density of
water (ρW ) = 1 g cm – 3

(i) Volume of body (V) = water displaced when fully submerged = 1000 cm 3.

(ii) Upthrust (FB) on body = VρW g = (1000 x 1)gf = 1000 gf = 1 kgf.

(iii) Mass (m) of body = 3.5 kg.

Weight (W) of body in air = 3.5 kgf = True weight.

Apparent weight = True weight – Upthrust = (3.5 – 1) kgf = 2.5 kgf.

Ex: 5(B)

Numericals:

Sol.1: Density of copper (ρ) = 8.83 g cm – 3.

We know, 1 g cm – 3 = 1000 kg m – 3.

Therefore, density of copper in kg m – 3 = (8.83 x 1000) kg m – 3 = 8830 kg m – 3.

Sol.2: The relative density (R.D.) of mercury = 13.6

Density of mercury in g cm – 3
(i) We know, R.D. = . [ Density of water at 4℃ = 1 g cm – 3 ]
1.0 g cm − 3

Density of mercury in g cm – 3
⇒ 13.6 = .
1.0 g cm − 3

⇒ Density of mercury in g cm – 3 = (13.6 x 1) = 13.6 g cm – 3.

 Density of mercury in kg m – 3
(ii) We know, R.D. = . [Density of water at 4℃ is 1000 kg m – 3 ]
1000 kg m − 3

Density of mercury in kg m – 3
⇒ 13.6 = .
1000 kg m − 3

⇒ Density of mercury in kg m – 3 = (13.6 x 1000) = 13600 kg m – 3 = 13.6 x 10 3 kg m – 3.

Sol.3: The density (ρ) of iron = 7.8 x 10 3 kg m – 3.

Density of iron in kg m – 3 7.8 x 10 3

Therefore, relative density (R.D.) of iron = = = 7.8
1000 kg m − 3 1000

Sol.4: The relative density (R.D.) of silver = 10.8

Density of silver in kg m – 3
We know, R.D. = . [Density of water at 4℃ is 1000 kg m – 3 ]
1000 kg m − 3

Density of silver in kg m – 3
⇒ 10.8 = .
1000 kg m − 3

⇒ Density of silver in kg m – 3 = (10.8 x 1000) = 10800 kg m – 3 = 10.8 x 10 3 kg m – 3. Or

Density of silver in g cm – 3
We know, R.D. = .
1.0 g cm − 3

Density of silver in g cm – 3
⇒ 10.8 = .
1.0 g cm − 3

⇒ Density of silver in g cm – 3 = (10.8 x 1) = 10.8 g cm – 3.

Sol.5: Given, volume (v) of a body = 2 m 3, R.D. of body = 0.52

Density of body in kg m – 3
We know, R.D. = .
Density of water in kg m – 3

Density of body in kg m – 3
⇒ 0.52 = . [Density of water at 4℃ is 1000 kg m – 3 ]
1000 kg m – 3

⇒ Density of body in kg m – 3 = (0.52 x 1000) = 520 kg m – 3.

Therefore, mass (m) of body = Density of body x Volume of body = (520 x 2) = 1040 kg.

Sol.6: Dimensions of room = (4.5 m x 3.5 m x 2.5 m), density (ρ) of air at N.T.P. = 1.3 kg m – 3.

Volume (V) of air in room = (4.5 m x 3.5 m x 2.5 m) = 39.375 m 3.

Therefore, mass (m) of air in the room = Density of air x Volume of air = (1.3 x 39.375) = 51.1875 kg =
51.19 kg (approx.)

Sol.7: Given, Mass (m) of stone = 113 g, Initial water level = 30 mL, final water level = 40 mL.

Therefore, volume (V) of stone = final level – initial level = (40 – 30) mL = 10 mL = 10 cm 3. [I mL = 1 cm 3]
Mass of stone 113
Therefore, density of stone = Volume of stone = = 11.3 g cm – 3.
10

Density of water at 4℃ = 1 g cm – 3.
 Density of stone 11.3
Therefore, R.D. of stone = = = 11.3
Density of water at 4℃ 1

Sol.8: Given, volume (V) of body = 100 cm 3, Weight of body in air (W1) = 1 kgf = 1000 gf, density of water
(ρ) = 1 g cm – 3.

Therefore, Upthrust (FB) = Vρg = (100 x 1) gf = 100 gf.

Now, Weight of body in water (Apparent weight) = Weight of body in air (True weight) - Upthrust (FB).

(i) Weight of body in water = (1000 – 100) gf = 900 gf.

(ii) Weight of body in air = 1000 gf, Volume of body = 100 cm 3, density of water at 4℃ = 1 g cm – 3.

⇒ Mass (m) of body = 1000 g.

Mass of body 1000
Therefore, Density of body = Volume of body = = 10 g cm – 3.
100

Density of body 10
Now, R.D. of body = = = 10. Or,
Density of water at 4℃ 1

Weight of body in air 1000

⇒ R.D. of body = = = 10.
Weight of body in air − Weight of body in water 1000 − 900

Sol.9: Given, Mass (m) of body = 70 kg = 70,000 g, Volume of body (V) = Volume of water displaced = 20,000
cm 3, Density of water (ρ) at 4℃ = 1 g cm – 3.

Therefore, True weight of body (weight of body in air) = 70 kgf = 70,000 gf.

Now, Upthrust (FB) = Vρg = (20000 x 1) gf = 20000 gf.

(i) Weight of body in water (apparent weight) = True weight – Upthrust (FB) = (70000 – 20000) gf =
50000 gf = 50 kgf. [ 1 kgf = 1000 gf]
Mass of body 70000
(ii) Density of material of the body = = = 3.5 g cm – 3.
Volume of body 20000

Density of body 3.5

Therefore, R.D. of material of body = = = 3.5 Or,
Density of water at 4℃ 1

Weight of body in air 70000

⇒ R.D. of material of body = = = 3.5
Weight of body in air − Weight of body in water 70000 − 50000

Sol.10: Given, Weight (W1) of solid in air (True weight) = 120 gf, Weight (W2) of solid when completely
immersed in water (apparent weight) = 105 gf.
Weight of solid in air (W1 ) 120
⇒ R.D. of solid = = = 8.
Weight of solid in air (W1 ) − Weight of solid in water (W2) 120 − 105

Sol.11: Given, Weight of solid in air (W1) = 32 gf (true weight), Weight of solid in water (W2) = 28.8 gf
(apparent weight), Density of water (ρ) at 4℃ = 1 g cm – 3.

(i) Upthrust (FB) = True weight (W1) - Apparent weight (W2) = (32 – 28.8) gf = 3.2 gf. …. (i)

Again, Upthrust (FB) = Volume of solid (V) x density of water (ρ) x acceleration due to gravity (g). …. (ii)

Comparing equations (i) & (ii), we get

⇒ 3.2 gf = Volume of solid (V) x density of water (ρ) x acceleration due to gravity (g).
⇒ 3.2 gf = (V x 1) gf.

⇒ V = 3.2 cm 3.

The volume of solid (V) is 3.2 cm 3.

Weight of solid in air (W1 ) 32
(ii) R.D. of solid = = = 10.
Weight of solid in air (W1) − Weight of solid in water (W2) 32 – 28.8

(iii) Given, Density of liquid (ρL ) = 0.9 g cm – 3, Density of water (ρW ) = 1 g cm – 3.

Density of liquid (ρL ) 0.9

Therefore, R.D. of liquid = = = 0.9
Density of water at 4℃ (ρW ) 1

Weight of solid in air (W1 )

⇒ R.D. of solid = x R.D. of liquid.
Weight of solid in air (W1 ) − Weight of solid in liquid (W3)

32
⇒ 10 = x 0.9
32 − Weight of solid in liquid (W3)

⇒ 10 (32 - W3 ) = 32 x 0.9

⇒ 320 – 10 W3 = 28.8

⇒ 320 - 28.8 = 10 W3.

⇒ 291.2 = 10 W3.
291.2
⇒ W3 (Weight of solid in liquid) = = 29.12 gf
10

The weight of solid in liquid is 29.12 gf.