wikiHow Buoyancy Calculator Buoyancy refers to the upward force exerted on an object submerged in a fluid, such as water or air. It is a result of the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the submerged object. The calculation of buoyancy can be done using Archimedes' principle. Archimedes' principle states that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. The formula to calculate buoyancy is: Buoyant force = Weight of the fluid displaced Here are the steps to calculate buoyancy: 1. Determine the density of the fluid: The density of the fluid in which the object is submerged is needed. The density is typically given in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). 2. Determine the volume of the object: The volume of the object, which is the amount of space it occupies, is required. It can be measured in cubic meters (m³) or cubic centimeters (cm³). 3. Calculate the weight of the fluid displaced: Multiply the volume of the object by the density of the fluid to find the weight of the fluid displaced. This is the buoyant force acting on the object. 4. Compare the buoyant force with the weight of the object: If the weight of the fluid displaced (buoyant force) is greater than the weight of the object, the object will float. If the weight of the object is greater, it will sink. If the two weights are equal, the object will be in equilibrium, neither sinking nor floating. It's important to note that the density of the object itself also plays a role in determining whether it will float or sink. If the object is less dense than the fluid, it will float. If it is denser, it will sink. By applying Archimedes' principle and calculating the buoyant force, you can determine whether an object will float or sink in a given fluid. Example: Calculate the buoyant force acting on an object submerged in water. Let's say we have a solid object with a volume of 0.1 cubic meters. The object is submerged in water, which has a density of 1000 kg/m³. Step 1: Determine the density of the fluid: The density of water is given as 1000 kg/m³. Step 2: Determine the volume of the object: The object has a volume of 0.1 cubic meters. Step 3: Calculate the weight of the fluid displaced: The weight of the fluid displaced can be calculated by multiplying the volume of the object by the density of the fluid: Weight of the fluid displaced = Volume of the object × Density of the fluid Weight of the fluid displaced = 0.1 m³ × 1000 kg/m³ = 100 kg Step 4: Compare the buoyant force with the weight of the object: To determine whether the object will float or sink, we compare the weight of the fluid displaced (buoyant force) with the weight of the object. If the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, the object will float. In this example, if the weight of the object is less than 100 kg, the object will float. If it is greater than 100 kg, the object will sink. By calculating the weight of the fluid displaced, we can determine the buoyant force acting on the object and make conclusions about its floating or sinking behavior. Page