Question

When does a body float in a liquid?

Answer 1

Archimedes principle:

1. Archimedes’ principle deals with the forces applied to an object by fluids surrounding it. This applied force reduces the net weight of the object submerged in a fluid.
2. It states that the upward buoyant force exerted on a body immersed in a fluid, whether partially or fully submerged, is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces and acts in the upward direction at the center of mass of the displaced fluid.

Explanation:

1. A body floats in a liquid when the density of the body is equivalent to the density of the liquid.
2. A body placed in a liquid sustains an upward force, causing it to come up if the displacement of water is equal to the weight of the body. This upward force is termed buoyant force and the law that states so is called the law of buoyancy.
3. This buoyant force depends on the density. The density and the buoyant force will determine the conditions for a body to float or sink in a liquid.
4. If the buoyant force is lesser than the weight of the body, then the body will sink.
5. If the buoyant force is greater than or equal to the weight of the body, then the body will float.