BUOYANCY

BY:
Rodrigo, Devina Grace D.
Formentera, Anna Rose D.
Mesias, Diana
Intan, Mary Joy S.
Arcite, Jake Norman D.

BSCE 2A
I. TITLE
EXPERIMENT NO. 7 BUOYANCY

II. BACKGROUND

The buoyancy experiment is a classic physics experiment that explores the concept of
buoyancy, which is the upward force exerted on an object submerged in a fluid (liquid or gas).
This force is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. The background of the buoyancy
experiment is a fascinating topic that has been studied for centuries, and it is still relevant today.

The buoyant force depends on the density of the fluid and the volume of the fluid displaced
by the object. If the object's density is less than the fluid's density, it will float, and if it is greater, it
will sink. This principle is used to design ships and submarines that float or sink in water. The
buoyancy experiment helps to understand these concepts by allowing students to observe and
measure the buoyant force acting on different objects.

In a typical buoyancy experiment, various objects of different shapes and sizes are used.
The objects can be made of different materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. A container filled
with water or another fluid submerges the objects. The experiment involves measuring the weight
of the object in air and in the fluid. The difference between these two weights represents the
buoyant force acting on the object. By comparing the buoyant force with the object's weight, one
can determine if the object will float or sink.

The cornerstone of our understanding of buoyancy lies in Archimedes' principle. This

principle asserts that the buoyant force acting on an object immersed in a fluid is equal to the
weight of the fluid displaced by the object. In mathematical terms, this can be expressed as:

Fb = ρVg

Where:

• Fb represents the buoyant force.

• ρ (rho) is the density of the fluid.

• V signifies the volume of the fluid displaced by the object.

• g is the acceleration due to gravity.

 Archimedes' Principle is the foundation of the buoyancy experiment. Archimedes, the
ancient Greek mathematician and scientist, discovered this principle, which states that the
buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced
by the object. This principle is critical in understanding how objects float or sink in a fluid and is
an essential concept in fluid mechanics.

Buoyancy can be conceptualized as the fluid's capacity to support an object's weight,

thereby making it seem lighter when submerged. This concept is pivotal in various scientific and
engineering applications. It helps explain why a colossal ship, denser than water, stays afloat, or
why a helium-filled balloon ascends in the atmosphere. Moreover, it enables the precise control
of the depth of submarines and impacts oceanography by contributing to our comprehension of
ocean currents.

Equations and Formulas:

1. Archimedes' Principle: The central equation that quantifies the buoyant force, as
mentioned earlier, is:

Fb=ρVg

2. Fb = Weight of object – Weight in water (for the irregular object)

3. Density (ρ): The density of an object can be calculated as the ratio of its mass (m) to its
volume (V):

ρ=V/m

In conclusion, the buoyancy experiment is a fundamental and fascinating exploration of

fluid mechanics principles. Archimedes' principle forms the basis of this study, providing a
mathematical framework to comprehend why objects float or sink. It offers practical insights into
the behavior of objects in different fluids and is relevant in various real-life applications. The
background of the buoyancy experiment, including Archimedes' Principle, the variables and
factors involved, and the applications, is an essential topic for students and researchers in the
field of physics and fluid mechanics.
III. PURPOSE

The purpose of conducting this experiment on buoyancy is to understand, investigate, and

empirically validate Archimedes' principle, which underpins buoyancy, on how objects float or sink
in a fluid, typically a liquid like water or gas. This principle also states that the buoyant force acting
on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

IV. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

When conducting a buoyancy experiment, you will need specific apparatus and materials to
ensure accurate and reliable results. The following is a list of essential equipment and materials
used in buoyancy experiments:

1. Tank or Container of Fluid (Overflow Can)

2. Objects of Varying Density (Rock)
3. Spring Balance or scale
4. String
5. Catch bucket (beaker or graduated cylinder)

V. PROCEDURE

1. Fill the clear container with water to a level that allows for easy immersion of objects.
2. Ensure the container is placed on a level surface.
3. Weigh each object using the spring scale and record their masses.
4. Submerge one of the objects (e.g., the wooden block) in the water container.
5. Use the spring scale to measure the apparent weight of the object while it is submerged.
Record this measurement.
6. Calculate the buoyant force on the object by subtracting its apparent weight in water from
its actual weight (Fb = Weight of object – Weight in water).
7. Lower the object into the container filled with water and catch the water that overflowed.
8. Measure and record the volume of water displaced by the submerged objects.
9. Compare the buoyant force with the weight of the water displaced.
VI. DATA AND ANALYSIS

TABLE 1: IRREGULAR OBJECT

OBJECT MASS (g) MASS (g) BUOYANT
(Apparent Weight) FORCE
Rock 300 g 200 g 100 g

Fb = Weight of object – Weight in water (apparent weight)

Fb = 300g – 200g
Fb = 100g

TABLE 2: REGULAR OBJECT

OBJECT MASS VOLUME DENSITY FLUID DENSITY BUOYANT
(kg) (m^3) FORCE (N)
(kg/m^3) (kg/m^3)

Sphere 4kg 0.27 m^3 14.81kg/m^3 1000 kg/m^3 2646 N

Fb=ρVg

Fb = (1000 kg/m^3)(0.27 m^3)(9.8 m/s^2)

Fb = 2646 N

VII. CONCLUSION

The results of our experiment demonstrate the crucial role of both the density of the object
and the density of the fluid in determining the buoyant force. As Archimedes' principle suggests,
an object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid
displaced by the object. This force counteracts the object's weight, resulting in buoyancy. Our
finding aligns with the theoretical expectations and supports the idea that buoyancy is directly
influenced by the volume of the object submerged in the fluid. Additionally, the experiment allowed
us to investigate how different shapes and sizes of objects affect buoyancy. We observed that
objects with larger volumes displace more fluid and experience greater buoyant forces.
VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS

To get accurate results in doing this experiment, it is better to use the appropriate types of
equipment. Use a big overflow can instead of a breaker to make sure that the fluid displaced is
right, and also make sure that the table you are using is leveled to avoid inaccuracy of reading.
We advisable to include a variety of objects with different shapes, sizes, and materials. This
approach allows for a more comprehensive exploration of buoyancy, enabling the identification of
trends or patterns that may not be evident when studying a single type of object. With this,
researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how different factors influence buoyant forces.

IX. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTION 1: An object that weighs 150Newton is placed in a container of fluid. If the fluid exerts
a 120Newton buoyant (upward) force on the object, will the object float or sink? Explain.
ANSWER: The object will sink because its weight is greater than the buoyant force acting
on it.

QUESTION 2: An object 200g in air and 170g when completely immersed in a liquid.
Calculate: the buoyant force on the object
ANSWER:
Fb= Real wt. - Apparent wt.
Fb = 200g - 170g
Fb = 30g

QUESTION 3: A wooden block with a volume of 0.02 m³ is floating in water. Determine the
buoyant force acting on the block.

Given: Volume of the block = 0.02 m³

Density of water = 1000 kg/m³

Acceleration due to gravity= 9.8 m/s²

ANSWER: Fb = ρ×V×g

Fb = 1000 kg/m³×0.02 m³×9.8m/s²

Fb = 196N
QUESTION 4: When measured in the air an object weighs 12.5 Newton. When it is placed in the
water it weighs 8.0 Newton. What is the volume of the object?
ANSWER:
Fb = F*air – F*water Fb = ρgV
Fb = 12.5N – 8.0N V = Fb / ρg
Fb = 4.5N V = 4.5N / (1000kg/m^3)(9.8m/s^2)
V = 4.59×10^-4 m^3

X. REFERENCES

Catchillar, Gerry C., College Physics Laboratory Manual

Archimedes' Principle is documented in Archimedes' work "On Floating Bodies," written in the 3rd
century BC.
"Ship Hydrostatics and Stability" by Adrian Biran and Rubén López-Pulido
"Physics of Fluids and Plasmas: An Introduction for Astrophysicists" by Arnab Rai Choudhuri
wikiHow https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Buoyancy
BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z4qtvcw/articles/z33d7v4#zdr7h4j
Buoyancy and Archimedes’ Principle https://youtu.be/HZOOsY1NBNQ?si=2AIk3IKegj2S2S8J
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes%27_principle
bu.edu. Retrieved 3 September 2023 https://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/sc527_notes01/buoyant.html
Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/fluids/buoyant-force-and-
archimedes-principle/a/buoyant-force-and-archimedes-principle-article