What is Archimedes’ Principle?

Archimedes Principle states that when an object is submerged in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This principle explains why objects appear to weigh less when placed in a fluid and why some objects float while others sink. The buoyant force is directly proportional to the volume of the fluid displaced by the submerged object, and it counteracts the object’s weight. As a result, if the weight of the fluid displaced is greater than or equal to the weight of the object, it will float, while if the weight of the fluid displaced is less, the object will sink.

It was in the year 246 BC that Archimedes had an idea about the weight displacement by liquids. After a lot of tests about the density and volume of different things, he stated the “Archimedes’ Principle”.

Archimedes’ Principle Definition

“Any object, totally or partially immersed in a fluid or liquid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.” – Archimedes

It means that when a body is partially or completely submerged in a liquid, it experiences an apparent loss in because of a force acting in upward direction (Buoyancy), which is equal to the weight of liquid displaced by the submerged part of the body. This force acting in upward direction was later named as Upthrust or force acting vertically upwards.

Archimedes Principle Example

The best example of Archimedes Principle is that when a ship is launched into water it displaces the amount of water equal to its weight.

Archimedes Principle

Archimedes Principle is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics, credited to the ancient Greek mathematician and physicist Archimedes. According to Archimedes’ Principle, when an object is immersed in a fluid the object experiences an upward force whose magnitude is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Archimedes’ principle has applications in various fields, from ship design to understanding the behavior of objects in water. Archimedes’ Principle is important for class 9 students.

In this article, we are going to learn about what is Archimedes Principle, its formula, how to derive it, its application, and its experimental verification of Archimedes

Table of Content

  • What is Archimedes’ Principle?
  • Experimental Verification of Archimedes’ Principle
  • Archimedes’ Principle Formula
  • Applications of Archimedes’ Principle
  • Solved Examples

Similar Reads

What is Archimedes’ Principle?

Archimedes Principle states that when an object is submerged in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This principle explains why objects appear to weigh less when placed in a fluid and why some objects float while others sink. The buoyant force is directly proportional to the volume of the fluid displaced by the submerged object, and it counteracts the object’s weight. As a result, if the weight of the fluid displaced is greater than or equal to the weight of the object, it will float, while if the weight of the fluid displaced is less, the object will sink....

Experimental Verification of Archimedes’ Principle

We have learnt that as per Archimedes Principle, the upthrust experienced by an object immersed in fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. Let’s us see how we can verify it experimentally....

Archimedes’ Principle Formula

When the object is immersed in the fluid, the object feels lighter due to the loss of apparent weight which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the liquid....

Applications of Archimedes’ Principle

Archimedes’ principle is crucial in designing ships, submarines, and other watercraft. By understanding how the buoyant force works, engineers can design vessels that can float and maintain stability. This principle is also used to calculate the maximum cargo capacity of ships and to ensure they don’t exceed their weight limits. Let’s see some of the applications of Archimedes Principle...

Solved Examples of Archimedes’ Principle

Example 1: A body weighs 400 gf in air and 280 gf when completely immersed in water. Calculate: (1)the loss in weight of the body. (2) Calculate the volume of water displaced. (3) The upthrust on the body....

Practice Problems on Archimedes’ Principle

Q1. A body of volume 100cm3 weighs 5kgf in air. It is completely immersed in a liquid of density 1.8 × 103 kg m-3. Find : (1) upthrust due to the liquid, (2) the weight of the body in the liquid...

FAQs on Archimedes Principle

1. What is Archimedes Principle Class 9? Who stated it?...