Study Guide: Fluid Pressure, Buoyancy, and Pascal's Principle

Pressure

Defined as force per unit area, given by the formula P = F/A, where P is pressure (Pa), F is force (N), and A is area (m²).

Formula for Pressure at Depth

P = ρgh, where P is pressure, ρ is the density of the fluid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the depth of the fluid.

Buoyant Force

The upward force exerted by a fluid on an object submerged in it, equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object, as stated by Archimedes' Principle.

Archimedes' Principle

States that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Condition for Floating

An object will float in a fluid if the buoyant force equals the weight of the object.

Pascal’s Principle

States that any change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally and undiminished throughout the fluid.

Pressure Transmission in Fluids

When pressure is applied to one piston in a U-shaped tube filled with fluid, the pressure at the opposite piston increases by the same amount.

Density of an Object

Determines whether an object will float or sink; it will float if its density is less than the fluid's density.

Effect of Depth on Pressure

Pressure at the bottom of a fluid increases with depth, not surface area or volume.

Formula for Buoyant Force

Fb = ρgV, where Fb is the buoyant force, ρ is the fluid density, g is gravitational acceleration, and V is the volume of fluid displaced.