If this net force is positive, the object rises if negative, the object sinks and if zero, the object is neutrally buoyant-that is, it remains in place without either rising or sinking. Thus, the net force on the object is the difference between the magnitudes of the buoyant force and its weight. The upward, or buoyant, force on the object is that stated by Archimedes' principle above. The downward force on the object is simply its weight. 246 BC):Īny object, totally or partially immersed in a fluid or liquid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.Īrchimedes' principle allows the buoyancy of any floating object partially or fully immersed in a fluid to be calculated. In On Floating Bodies, Archimedes suggested that (c. It was formulated by Archimedes of Syracuse. Archimedes' principle is a law of physics fundamental to fluid mechanics. Archimedes' principle (also spelled Archimedes's principle) states that the upward buoyant force that is exerted on a body immersed in a fluid, whether fully or partially, is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces.

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