Force Calculator Buoyancy calculator helps you determine the upward force (known as buoyant force) exerted on an object submerged in a fluid like water.
It calculates this force by considering the object's volume, density of fluid, and the acceleration due to gravity. This helps you predict if an object will stay afloat or sink in that specific liquid.
What is the Buoyant Force?
“Buoyant force is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object partially or fully immersed in it.”
Example:
When you jump in the pool, you feel lighter than usual, that is because the water pushes you up. This "push" is called the buoyant force.
This force is caused by the difference in pressure between the bottom and the top of the object due to the varying depths.
It is the reason why you can float in a pool, why boats do not sink, and why beach balls bounce on the water.
Buoyant Force Formula:
The following equation can let you calculate the buoyant force:
Buoyant Force (Fb) = ρ * V * g
Where:
- ρ is the density of the fluid (measured in kg/m³)
- V is the volume of the displaced fluid (measured in m³)
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²)
How to Calculate Buoyant Force?
Michael is 10 years old. He stands at the edge of a sparkling pool where he takes a deep breath, gathers his courage, and leaps!
To calculate the buoyant force, we have to understand the science behind Michael's jump:
- Michael's volume: Michael's body displaces 0.05 cubic meters of water when he jumps in.
- Water density: The pool water has a density of roughly 1000 kilograms per cubic meter.
- Gravity: Earth's gravity pulls everything down with a force of approximately 9.81 m/s².
Now, calculate the buoyant force using the buoyancy formula:
- Buoyant Force (Fb) = 1000 kg/m³ (density) * 0.05 m³ (volume) * 9.81 m/s² (gravity)
- Buoyant Force (Fb) ≈ 490.5 Newtons
If you want to calculate buoyant force quickly, you can use the buoyancy calculator.
Densities of Common Liquids:
| Liquid | Density (kg/m³) | Buoyancy Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Water (fresh) | 1000 | Provides moderate buoyant force, allowing objects to float depending on their weight and volume. |
| Seawater | 1025 | Provides strong buoyant force due to its higher density, making it easier for objects to float. |
| Vegetable oil | 920 | Provides less buoyant force than water, making it more difficult for objects to float. |
| Honey | 1400 | Provides strong buoyant force due to its high density, making it difficult for objects to sink. |
| Milk | 1030 | Provides slightly more buoyant force than water, making it easier for objects to float. |
| Alcohol (ethanol) | 790 | Provides less buoyant force than water, making it more difficult for objects to float. |
| Gasoline | 750 | Provides less buoyant force than water, making it difficult for objects to float. |
| Liquid mercury | 13600 | Provides extremely strong buoyant force due to its high density, making almost any object float. |