Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of Archimedes' principle, the definition of buoyant force, and factors affecting floating and sinking including mass, volume, density, and shape.

Archimedes' principle

A principle stating that when an object is wholly or partially immersed in a fluid (liquid or gas), it experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Buoyant force

The upward force exerted by a fluid on an object placed in it.

Floating condition

Occurs when the buoyant force is equal to or greater than the weight of the object.

Sinking condition

Occurs when the weight of an object is greater than the buoyant force.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object; for example, a bowling ball has a large mass while a tennis ball has a small mass.

Volume

The amount of space an object occupies; objects with larger volume can displace more water.

Density

A measure of how tightly matter is packed, calculated using the formula: $\text{Density} = \text{Mass} \times \text{Volume}^{-1}$ or $\text{Density} = \text{Mass} \div \text{Volume}$.

Density relationship to floating

If an object's density is less than water, it floats; if its density is greater than water, it sinks.

Factors increasing buoyant force

Buoyant force increases when the fluid is denser or when the volume of displaced fluid is greater.

Shape's effect on buoyancy

An object's form, such as a boat shape, that spreads weight over a larger area and displaces more water compared to other shapes like a ball.