Explore buoyancy forces and density relationships. Test different objects in various liquids
and observe how Archimedes' Principle determines whether objects float or sink.
Wood (0.7 g/cm³)
Plastic (0.9 g/cm³)
Metal (7.8 g/cm³)
Cork (0.5 g/cm³)
Glass (1.5 g/cm³)
Liquid Density: 1 g/cm³
Wood 0.7 g/cm³
Observation:
Objects less dense than the liquid float, while denser objects sink.
Buoyancy Calculations
Select an object and liquid to see calculations
The Science Behind Archimedes' Principle
What's Happening:
When an object is placed in fluid, it experiences:
Gravitational Force (Fg): Weight of the object = mass × gravity
Buoyant Force (Fb): Weight of displaced fluid = ρfluid × Vdisplaced × gravity
If Fb ≥ Fg, the object floats; otherwise it sinks.
Key Concepts:
Buoyant force depends on the volume of displaced fluid
Floating objects displace their own weight in fluid
Neutral buoyancy occurs when object and fluid densities are equal
Shape affects how much fluid is displaced (but not whether it floats)
Real-world Applications:
Shipbuilding: Hulls designed to displace enough water to support weight
Submarines: Use ballast tanks to adjust overall density
Hot Air Balloons: Apply the same principle with air densities
Hydrometers: Measure liquid densities based on float depth
