Jamaica Mechanical Practice Test

Archimedes' principle is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics that states that any body immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force that is equal to the weight of the fluid that it displaces. This principle is key for understanding why objects float or sink in fluids.

When an object is placed in a fluid, it pushes away a volume of that fluid. The weight of the fluid displaced by this volume creates a buoyant force acting in the upward direction on the object. If this buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, the object will rise or float. Conversely, if the weight of the object is greater than the buoyant force, it will sink.

The statement about the body maintaining the same weight as in air does not address the dynamic interaction between the object and the fluid. The idea of a body sinking to the bottom without resistance overlooks the forces at play described by Archimedes' principle, which factors in the water's resistance and the buoyant force. Similarly, the concept of merely experiencing a downward force ignores the crucial upward buoyant force that influences the behavior of the body in the fluid. Thus, the correct characterization of Archimedes' principle emphasizes the balance of forces and the important role of

Ask an Examzify Tutor