Understanding Buoyancy: The

Science of Floating and Sinking

26-09-23 HEMANTH VASAM

Physics
 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

INDEX
Serial Topic Page
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1 Abstract

2 Introduction

3 Contents

4 Conclusion

5 bibliography

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 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

ABSTRACT
Buoyancy or upthrust, is an upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an immersed object. In a
column of fluid, pressure increases with depth as a result of the weight of the overlying fluid. Thus, the pressure
at the bottom of a column of fluid is greater than at the top of the column.
Similarly, the pressure at the bottom of an object submerged in a fluid is greater than at the top of the object.
The pressure difference results in a net upward force on the object. This project briefly explains about
Buoyancy and its various applications. This project explains us about Archimedes principle, real life examples,
etc.

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 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

INTRODUCTION
It is often observed that while swimming our body feels light or while taking out water from the well, the
bucket feels lighter when it is partially or fully immersed in water. The reason behind this is that our body
experiences forces from the downward direction or the opposite direction of the gravitational pull. This results
in a decrease in weight. This is one of the reasons why the plastic balls float on the water instead of sinking in
the water due to their weight. The magnitude of the force is proportional to the pressure difference, and (as
explained by Archimedes' principle) is equivalent to the weight of the fluid that would otherwise occupy the
volume of the object, i.e. the displaced fluid. For this reason, an object whose average density is greater than
that of the fluid in which it is submerged tends to sink. If the object is less dense than the liquid, the force can
keep the object afloat. This can occur only in a non-inertial reference frame, which either has a gravitational
field or is accelerating due to a force other than gravity defining a "downward" direction.

This phenomenon (known as hydrostatic pressure) plays a crucial role in many engineering and physics
applications.

The objectives of the project are:

1. To Understand the Concept of Buoyancy and To Explain Archimedes' Principle

2. To Explore Factors Affecting Buoyancy
3. To Showcase Real-World Applications

CONTENTS
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 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

Buoyancy
Buoyancy comes from the Spanish word for "float",
boyar. Buoyancy is a phenomenon due to the buoyant
force that causes an object to float. When you put an
object in a liquid, an upward force is exerted on the
object by the liquid. This force is equal to the weight of
the liquid that has been displaced.

Archimedes' principle is named

after Archimedes of Syracuse, who first discovered this
law in 212 BC. For objects, floating and sunken, and in
gases as well as liquids, Archimedes' principle may be stated as:

Any object, wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the
fluid displaced by the object

buoyant force = weight of displaced fluid.

DERIVATING ARCHIMEDES PRINCIPLE

Mass ( M )
Density ( ρ )=
Volume ( V )

Mass ( M )=Density ( ρ ) Volume ( V )

We know that

Weight=Mass × Accelerationduetogravity

Weight=Mass × g=ρ ×V × g

From Archimedes’ principle, we know that the apparent loss of weight is equal to the weight of the water
displaced therefore the thrust force is given by the following equation:

ThrustForce=ρ ×V × g

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 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

Factors affecting buoyancy

1. Density of the liquid
2. Volume of the solid immersed in it

Density
The density of a fluid affects buoyancy because buoyancy is determined by the difference in density between
the object and the fluid it is in. If the object is less dense than the fluid, it will float. If the object is more dense
than the fluid, it will sink. In general, the greater the difference in density between the object and the fluid, the
greater the buoyancy force. This principle can be observed in everyday life, such as when a piece of wood floats
on water but sinks in a solution of salt water that is denser than fresh water.

Volume of the solid immersed

buoyancy depends on volume and so an object's buoyancy reduces if it is compressed and increases if it
expands. If an object at equilibrium has a compressibility less than that of the surrounding fluid, the object's
equilibrium is stable and it remains at rest.

volume vs buoyancy
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 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

Real-life applications
Hot air balloon
The atmosphere is filled with air, which is also a certain type of
fluid. Hot air balloons leverage the buoyancy effect. Air exerts a
force on the balloon. The balloon rises up when the force exerted is
less than the weight of the balloon and conversely, it descends
when the force exerted is less than the weight of the balloon.
Sometimes hot air balloons become stationary in mid-air, in that
particular case, the weight of the balloon becomes equal to the
force applied by the displaced liquid (air).

Ship
The boat is designed in a way so that the shape of the boat is hollow. Due to the hollow shape, the density
becomes less than the density of the sea. The volume of water displaced by the boat is equal to the weight of the
boat and this helps the ship to float

fish
Fishes stay buoyant underwater. Fishes have a special organ called
a swim bladder that is usually filled with gases thus making the
body lighter. This enables the fish to go up

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 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our project on buoyancy has provided a comprehensive understanding of this fundamental
concept in fluid mechanics. We explored various aspects of buoyancy, including Archimedes' principle, the
definition of buoyancy, factors affecting buoyancy, and real-life applications. Through our research and
analysis, we have gained valuable insights into how buoyancy plays a crucial role in the world around us.

Archimedes' principle, which states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the
weight of the displaced fluid, forms the foundation of our understanding of buoyancy. This principle has been
pivotal in explaining why objects float or sink in different fluids and is essential for understanding the
behaviour of ships, submarines, and hot air balloons.

The definition of buoyancy, as the force that allows objects to float or rise in a fluid, highlights its significance
in various scientific and engineering fields. Understanding buoyancy has enabled us to design and engineer
various structures and devices that harness this force for practical applications.

Factors affecting buoyancy, such as the density of the object and the density of the fluid, have been examined in
our project.

Furthermore, our exploration of real-life applications of buoyancy has demonstrated its relevance in a multitude
of industries. From the construction of ships to the design of hot air balloons to fish.

In conclusion, buoyancy is not just a concept confined to textbooks and laboratories; it is a fundamental force
that influences the design of countless everyday objects and systems. By understanding Archimedes' principle,
the definition of buoyancy, and the factors affecting it, we are better equipped to appreciate its role in the world
and harness it for innovation and practical solutions. Our project has shed light on the significance of buoyancy
and its far-reaching impact on science, engineering, and our daily lives.

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 Understanding Buoyancy: The Science of Floating and Sinking

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Report on buoyancy by Dhiren Sanjay Bhabad
 Buoyancy by John J Govini
 WWW.BYJUS.COM
 WWW.KHANACADEMY.COM