What is defined as the upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged object?

Master the NCEA Level 3 Physics Mechanics Exam with tailored quiz questions. Study efficiently with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Get prepared for your exam success!

Multiple Choice

What is defined as the upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged object?

Explanation:
Buoyancy is the force that acts on an object submerged in a fluid, allowing the object to either float or rise to the surface. This phenomenon occurs due to the pressure difference exerted by the fluid on different parts of the object. According to Archimedes’ principle, the upward buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that the object displaces. When an object is placed in a fluid, it displaces some of that fluid. The fluid exerts pressure on the object, which increases with depth. As a result, the pressure acting on the bottom of the object (which is deeper in the fluid) is greater than the pressure acting on the top of the object. This pressure difference generates the upward buoyant force, contributing to the object's ability to float. Understanding buoyancy is important in various applications, such as ship design and underwater exploration, as it determines whether objects sink, float, or remain suspended in fluids.

Buoyancy is the force that acts on an object submerged in a fluid, allowing the object to either float or rise to the surface. This phenomenon occurs due to the pressure difference exerted by the fluid on different parts of the object. According to Archimedes’ principle, the upward buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that the object displaces.

When an object is placed in a fluid, it displaces some of that fluid. The fluid exerts pressure on the object, which increases with depth. As a result, the pressure acting on the bottom of the object (which is deeper in the fluid) is greater than the pressure acting on the top of the object. This pressure difference generates the upward buoyant force, contributing to the object's ability to float.

Understanding buoyancy is important in various applications, such as ship design and underwater exploration, as it determines whether objects sink, float, or remain suspended in fluids.

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