Question

In what direction does the buoyant force on an object immersed in a liquid act?

Answer 1

Buoyant Force

1. The buoyant force is the upward force that acts on a body when it is immersed in a liquid.
2. This buoyant force is equal and opposite to the force of gravity experienced by a body.
3. When a body is immersed in a liquid, the weight of the body acts downwards.
4. In order to balance this downward force the buoyant acts in the upward direction on the body.
5. This helps the body stay up and float.

Buoyant force vs Weight

1. The magnitude of the buoyant force exerted depends on the density of the fluid.
2. When the weight of the body is less than the buoyant force acting on the body, the body floats completely on top of the fluid.
3. When the weight of the body is equal to the buoyant force acting on the body, the body partially floats in the fluid.
4. When the weight of the body is more than the buoyant force acting on the body, the body sinks into the fluid.

Hence, the buoyant force on an object immersed in a liquid acts in the upward direction.