Archimedes' Principle - Interactive Simulation

Interactive simulation of buoyancy, density, and fluid displacement with floating/sinking behavior

Buoyancy Force: 0.00 N
Gravity Force: 0.00 N
State: Floating

Archimedes' Principle

F_b = ρ_fluid × V_displaced × g
F_b vs F_g = m × g

Density Comparison

Fluid Density
1000 kg/m³
Object Density
500 kg/m³
Object is less dense than fluid - will float

Parameters

Real-time Calculations

Object Density (m/V) 500 kg/m³
Gravity Force (m·g) 49.05 N
Displaced Volume 0.010 m³
Buoyancy (ρ·V·g) 98.10 N
Submerged % 100.0%

What is Archimedes' Principle?

Archimedes' principle states that any object wholly or partially immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. This principle explains why ships float and balloons rise in air.

Understanding Buoyancy

The buoyant force (F_b) is calculated as F_b = ρ_fluid × V_displaced × g, where ρ_fluid is the fluid density, V_displaced is the volume of fluid displaced, and g is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²). This force always points upward and opposes gravity.

Floating, Sinking, and Suspended

An object floats when its density is less than the fluid density, sinks when it's denser than the fluid, and can remain suspended when densities are equal. When floating, the object displaces just enough fluid so that the buoyant force equals its weight.

Applications in Daily Life

Ships and Boats

Despite being made of dense materials, ships float because their shape displaces enough water to create a buoyant force that equals their weight.

Submarines

Submarines control their buoyancy by adjusting the amount of water in ballast tanks, allowing them to surface, dive, or maintain depth.

Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons rise because heated air inside is less dense than the surrounding cold air, creating an upward buoyant force.