Buoyant Force - AP Physics 2

Card 1 of 132

0
Didn't Know
Knew It
0
1 of 2019 left
Question

A metal sample is suspended from a thread and submerged in a beaker of water. The metal sample does not touch the sides or bottom of the beaker. The beaker of water is on a laboratory scale as the metal sample is submerged. What happens to the scale reading as the sample is submerged?

Tap to reveal answer

Answer

Since the water is exerting an upward force on the metal sample, it is receiving a force of equal magnitude pointing downward by Newton's third law. This downward force is transmitted by increased pressure in the water to the beaker and then to the scale.

← Didn't Know|Knew It →