Buoyancy — Definition Check The tendency of a liquid to uplift a fully or partially submerged body due to the fluid’s upward thrust is called “buoyancy.” Do you agree?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Agree

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The concept of buoyancy explains why ships float, hot-air balloons rise, and hydrometers measure density. It is a cornerstone of fluid statics and engineering design related to floating and submerged structures.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Body is immersed in a fluid (fully or partially).
  • Fluid is at rest; hydrostatic conditions apply.
  • Gravity acts downward, creating a hydrostatic pressure field that increases with depth.


Concept / Approach:
Archimedes’ principle: a body wholly or partially submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. This “upward thrust” is precisely what is meant by buoyancy and produces the “tendency to uplift.”


Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Consider a submerged element. Pressure increases with depth: p = ρ g h. Bottom face of the element sees greater pressure than the top face. Net vertical force (integrated over the surface) acts upward; this is the buoyant force.


Verification / Alternative check:
For a floating body at equilibrium: buoyant force = weight of body. This balance is used to determine draft and stability, validating the definition operationally.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Disagree” falsely denies the standard definition; buoyancy is universally defined via the upward hydrostatic resultant.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing buoyancy (force from the fluid) with flotation (condition of force balance); ignoring that compressible fluids and temperature variations can alter density and thus buoyancy.


Final Answer:
Agree.

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