Which of the following statements about the Archimede’s Principle is correct?
- AOption (a)
When a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it experiences a downward force that is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it.
- BOption (b)
When a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it experiences an upward force that is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it.
- COption (c)
When a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it experiences a downward force that is much less than the weight of the fluid displaced by it.
- DOption (d)
When a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it experiences an upward force that is much less than the weight of the fluid displaced by it.
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Correct answer
When a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it experiences an upward force that is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it.
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is When a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it experiences an upward force that is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it..
Key Points
- Archimedes' Principle states that when a body is fully or partially submerged in a fluid (liquid or gas), it experiences an upward buoyant force. This force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body.
- The upward force, commonly referred to as the buoyant force, acts in the opposite direction of gravity and is responsible for the floating or sinking of objects in fluids.
- This principle explains why some objects float while others sink. If the weight of the displaced fluid is greater than or equal to the weight of the object, the object will float. Otherwise, it will sink.
- The principle is widely used in designing ships, submarines, hot air balloons, and other engineering applications where buoyancy is a critical factor.
- The formula used in Archimedes' Principle is: Buoyant Force (Fb) = Weight of Displaced Fluid = ρ × V × g, where:
- ρ = Density of the fluid
- V = Volume of the fluid displaced
- g = Acceleration due to gravity
Additional Information
- Explanation of Options:
- Option 1: Incorrect. This statement is wrong because Archimedes' Principle describes an upward force, not a downward force.
- Option 2: Correct. This option accurately explains Archimedes' Principle that the body experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.
- Option 3: Incorrect. The downward force (weight of the body) is not less than the weight of the displaced fluid; instead, the upward buoyant force balances the weight of the object in certain cases (floating).
- Option 4: Incorrect. The upward force is not less than the weight of the displaced fluid; it is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid as per Archimedes' Principle.
- Applications of Archimedes' Principle:
- Shipbuilding: Ships float because the weight of the water displaced by the ship is equal to the ship's weight.
- Submarines: Submarines use Archimedes' Principle to dive and resurface by controlling the amount of water in their ballast tanks.
- Hot Air Balloons: Hot air balloons rise because the air displaced by the balloon weighs more than the balloon itself.
- Hydrometers: Used to measure the density of liquids based on the principle of buoyancy.
- Important Terms:
- Buoyant Force: The upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged or partially submerged object.
- Displaced Fluid: The volume of fluid pushed aside by a submerged object.
- Density: The mass per unit volume of a substance, which determines whether an object will float or sink.
- Historical Background: Archimedes' Principle was discovered by the ancient Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes in the 3rd century BCE.
Important Points
- Key Applications in Modern Science:
- Archimedes' Principle is used extensively in fluid mechanics and engineering design to ensure stability and functionality of devices like ships, submarines, and balloons.
- It is also used in laboratories to calculate the density and specific gravity of objects by measuring the weight of displaced fluid.
