Question

Two solid blocks of identical size are submerged in water. One block is lead and the other is aluminium. Upon which is the buoyant force greater?

• A. Lead block
• B. Aluminium block
• C. Same on both block
• D. Depends on the orientation of the blocks

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Same on both block

The buoyant force is related to the volume of water displaced, not the mass or density of the material. Since they both displace the same volume of water, the buoyant force is the same on both.
As the lead and aluminium blocks displace the same volume of water, the buoyant force on each is the same.