Science
What is Buoyancy?
Buoyancy is the upward force a fluid exerts on an object placed in it. If that force is greater than the object's weight, it floats; if less, it sinks. It's why ships float and why you feel lighter in water.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains buoyancy.
Key things to understand
- 1It's the upward push a fluid gives an object.
- 2Float if buoyant force > weight; sink if less.
- 3It depends on how much fluid the object displaces.
- 4It explains floating ships and lighter-feeling bodies in water.
Frequently asked questions
- What is buoyancy?
- The upward force a fluid exerts on an object, which determines whether it floats or sinks.
- Why do heavy ships float?
- Their shape displaces enough water that the upward buoyant force exceeds their weight.
- What is Archimedes' principle?
- An object is pushed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.