Answer to Question #180142 in Mechanical Engineering for Harry

Question

a) Explain what is meant by Archimedes’ Principle, make reference to the above diagram in your response. Include a description of the necessary conditions for a body to be immersed in a liquid and be in equilibrium. 

Answer 1

Archimedes' principle states: an object immersed in a fluid experiences a buoyant force that is equal in magnitude to the force of gravity on the displaced fluid. 

If the buoyant force is greater than the object's weight, the object will rise to the surface and float. If the buoyant force is less than the object's weight, the object will sink. 

An object floats when the weight force on the object is balanced by the upward push of the water on the object. If the weight force down is larger than the upward push of the water on the object then the object will sink.