Chapter 19, Problem 12A

a. Does the buoyant force on a submerged object depend on the weight of the object itself or on the weight of the fluid displaced by the object?

b. Does it depend on the weight of the object itself or on its volume? Defend your answer.

Solution

(a)

To identify: Whether the buoyant force on a submerged object depend on the weight of the object or on the weight of fluid displaced by an object.

Introduction:

Buoyant force acts on the objects, which is completely or partially immersed in liquid. When object submerged in a liquid it displaces the liquid around it.

Explanation:

The buoyant force depends on the volume of liquid displaced by an object. Volume of liquid is equal displaced is equal to weight of the liquid. Volume of liquid displaced by an object does not depend on the weight of an object.

Conclusion:

Buoyant force on a submerged object does not depend on the weight of the object but it depends on the weight of fluid displaced by an object.

(b)

To identify: Whether the buoyant force on a submerged object depend on the weight of the object or volume of an object.

Introduction:

Buoyant force act on the objects, which is completely or partially immersed in liquid. When object submerged in a liquid it displaces the liquid equal to its volume.

Explanation:

The buoyant force depends on the volume of liquid displaced by an object. The volume of liquid displaced by an object is equal to volume of an object. If object have large volume, more is the liquid displaced by an object and buoyant force will be more.

Conclusion:

Buoyant force on a submerged object depends on the volume of an object.