Buoyancy
The upward force a fluid exerts on an object submerged in it.
Also: upthrust · Archimedes' principle
Definition
Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on any object immersed in it, as described by Archimedes' Principle: the buoyant force equals the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. An object floats when the buoyant force equals or exceeds its weight, and sinks when its weight exceeds the buoyant force. Buoyancy is fundamental to ship design, submarine operation, and hot air ballooning.
Example
“A steel ship floats even though steel is denser than water because its hull shape displaces a volume of water that weighs more than the entire ship, generating enough buoyant force to keep it afloat.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied buoyancy best practices to improve their physics outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding buoyancy is essential for anyone building a career in STEM.”
When & How to Use
Use 'Buoyancy' when working in Physics contexts where buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on any object immersed in it, as described by archimedes' principle: the buoyant force equals the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
- ▸Applying buoyancy principles during a physics project or initiative
- ▸Explaining buoyancy to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with STEM
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using buoyancy as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'Buoyancy' derives from professional usage and entered STEM professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of buoyancy has evolved alongside STEM. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of physics in the mid-20th century. Today, buoyancy is a standard part of STEM practice globally.
Synonyms
- Archimedes' principle
- upthrust
- buoyant force
Antonyms / Opposites
- gravity
- weight
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Related Terms
- Archimedes' Principle
- Fluid Dynamics
- Density
- Pascal's Law