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Does an object float if the buoyant force equals the weight of the object or if the buoyant force is greater?
I'm confused because I've seen it stated both ways, that the buoyant force must be GREATER than the weight of the object in order for it to float or that the buoyant force must be EQUAL to the weight of the object in order to float. Thanks for your help!!!
Okay, thank you! I think what I am confused about is why it's stated that the buoyant force always equals the weight of the object...whether it's submerged or floating.
4 Answers
- morningstarLv 79 years agoFavorite Answer
When the object is stably floating on the surface of the water, the buoyant force is equal.
If that SAME object were to be pushed any further underwater, then the buoyant force would be greater.
In both cases I think you would say the object is floating, so the answer to your question is greater than or equal to. But if you know more details of the situation you can determine which.
If an object, completely submerged, has weight equal to buoyant force, then it is said to be neutrally buoyant. It can move up or down.
- Anonymous5 years ago
They must be equal. If the buoyant force was greater than the weight of the object then we have an unbalanced force and the object would move upwards which, of course, it does not.
- Slakker MahnLv 59 years ago
greater... if it's the same, then it's neutral buoyancy... doesn't mean it won't float, but if the object starts in an under water position, it'll stay there...
