Buoyancy: Understanding the Uplifting Force

What is Buoyancy?

Buoyancy, also known as upthrust, is the net upward force exerted by a fluid that counteracts the weight of an object partially or fully submerged in it. This force is a consequence of the fluid's pressure acting on the object's surface.

Explanation of Buoyancy

The reason for buoyancy exists due to the unavoidable fact that the lower or more submerged portion of an object experiences greater pressure from the surrounding fluid. This higher pressure creates an upward force that partially or completely balances the object's weight, causing it to float or counteract its sinking.

The buoyant force is directly related to the density of the fluid and the volume of the object submerged within it. In liquids, for instance, objects denser than the fluid will sink, while objects less dense will float.