Archimedes' Principle

Definition

Archimedes’ Principle states that the buoyant force on an immersed object is equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.

Why It Matters

It provides the exact mathematical law to calculate the buoyant force, enabling precise design of ships, submarines, and density measurement techniques.

Core Concepts

• Archimedes’ Principle Formula:
  • $\text{Buoyant Force} = \text{Weight of Displaced Fluid}$
  • How to read: “The buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced fluid.”
  • Meaning: Compute displaced volume × fluid density × $g$ to get buoyant force—object floats when this equals or exceeds its own weight.
• Principle of Flotation: A floating object displaces a weight of fluid equal to its own weight.

Connected Concepts

• Buoyancy
• Pressure
• Density
• Equilibrium Rule
• Gravity