State Archimede’s principle.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Archimedes’ Principle states that when a body is completely or partially immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward force, called the buoyant force, which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body.
Explanation:
Archimedes’ Principle is a fundamental law in fluid mechanics that explains why objects float or sink in fluids. The principle is named after the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes, who discovered it while investigating the behavior of submerged objects.
When an object is placed in a fluid such as water, it pushes some of the fluid out of the way. This is called displacement. The fluid, in response, exerts an upward force on the object. This force is known as the buoyant force. The strength of this force depends entirely on how much fluid is displaced, not on the weight or shape of the object itself.
The buoyant force acts in the opposite direction to gravity. If the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, the object will rise and float. If the force is equal to the weight, the object will remain suspended at a certain level. If the force is less than the object’s weight, it will sink.
For example, a solid steel block sinks in water because the weight of the block is greater than the buoyant force. On the other hand, a ship made of steel floats because its overall shape causes it to displace a large volume of water, creating a buoyant force strong enough to support its weight.
This principle has wide applications. It is used in designing ships and submarines, measuring the density of objects, and even in hot air balloons where the displaced air creates the buoyant force necessary for lift. Archimedes’ Principle is essential in understanding how fluids interact with solid objects in both science and engineering.