IntermediateTopic 49 of 105Thermodynamics & Fluids

Buoyancy

Upthrust equals the weight of fluid displaced.

In depth

Archimedes: buoyant force equals weight of displaced fluid F_B=ρ_f g V_disp. Floats if average density is below the fluid's. Stability requires the metacentre above the centre of gravity. Hydrometers, ships and balloons rely on it.

Key points

  • Centre of buoyancy
  • Metacentric height GM
  • Ballast
Example

A 50 000 tonne ship displaces 50 000 m³ of seawater (approx.).

Why it matters

Buoyancy explains why objects float or sink and is needed for ship stability, submarine control and density measurement.

Where this is used

  • Checking whether a boat hull floats at its design draught.
  • Calculating the buoyant force on a sensor pod submerged in water.
  • Determining whether a floating platform is stable under wave loads.

Frequently asked questions

What is Buoyancy?

Upthrust equals the weight of fluid displaced.

Why is it important to understand buoyancy?

Buoyancy explains why objects float or sink and is needed for ship stability, submarine control and density measurement.

What is Archimedes' principle?

The buoyant force equals the weight of fluid displaced, which acts upward through the centre of buoyancy.

Why can a ship float if steel is denser than water?

The average density of the hull and air inside is lower than water, so the displaced water weighs more than the ship.

How is Buoyancy used in practice?

Typical applications include checking whether a boat hull floats at its design draught, calculating the buoyant force on a sensor pod submerged in water and determining whether a floating platform is stable under wave loads.

What should I learn before Buoyancy?

Study "Manometers and pressure measurement" first (topic 48 of 105 in Thermodynamics & Fluids). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Buoyancy?

Centre of buoyancy. Metacentric height GM. Ballast.

Can you give an example of Buoyancy?

A 50 000 tonne ship displaces 50 000 m³ of seawater (approx.).

What comes after Buoyancy?

The next topic is "Forces on submerged surfaces", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Buoyancy?

It is classed as Intermediate in Thermodynamics & Fluids (topic 49 of 105). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Thermodynamics & Fluids first.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

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