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Buoyancy

Definition

Buoyancy refers to the upward force exerted on an object submerged or floating in a fluid (liquid or gas). It depends on the density of the fluid and the volume of the object.

Analogy

Think about how it feels when you try to push a beach ball underwater. The ball wants to come back up because it is buoyant and experiences an upward force from water pushing against it. This force helps objects float or rise in fluids.

Related terms

Archimedes' Principle: States that an object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

Density: The mass per unit volume of a substance.

Fluids: Substances that can flow and take on any shape, such as liquids and gases.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.