volume_mute

how much force would you have to exert to lift the steel under water?

publish date2025/07/23 21:27:2.868476 UTC

volume_mute

Suppose a cubic foot of steel (weight: 480 lb) is below the surface of water.

What will be the apparent approximate weight of the steel?

In other words, how much approximate force would you have to exert to lift the steel under waater?

Correct Answer

418 lb

Explanation

the apparent weight = weight of the steel - water force = 480 lb - 62.4 = 417.6 ≈ 418 lb

Although pressure is greater at a greater depth, the buoyant force does not depend upon the depth.  You did not have to consider how deep the steel was, but simply that it was below the surface.

Reference

Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide


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