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Sinking vs. Floating Mechanics
publish date: 2026/05/18 21:36:3.120414 UTC
volume_muteMatch the net force conditions below to the resulting mechanical behavior of an object placed in a fluid.
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Conditions
Buoyant force is less than the object's total weight
Buoyant force is equal to the object's total weight when fully submerged
Buoyant force is greater than the object's weight when fully submerged
Behaviors
The object sinks down to the bottom
The object hovers in baseline equilibrium at any depth
The object rises up to the surface and floats
Correct Answer
(1) Buoyant force is less than the object's total weight,The object sinks down to the bottom
(2) Buoyant force is equal to the object's total weight when fully submerged,The object hovers in baseline equilibrium at any depth
(3) Buoyant force is greater than the object's weight when fully submerged,The object rises up to the surface and floats
Explanation
If weight exceeds the maximum buoyant force, the net force is downward and the object sinks. If they are equal, it achieves neutral buoyancy. If the buoyant force when fully submerged is greater than the weight, it is propelled upward to float at the surface.
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide