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Physics Lab Report

Archimedes' principle explains the buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid, stating that this force equals the weight of the fluid displaced. It has practical applications in designing ships, submarines, and hydrometers, as well as in hot air balloon operation. Experimental verification can be conducted to measure the buoyant force and compare it to theoretical calculations.

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26 views3 pages

Physics Lab Report

Archimedes' principle explains the buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid, stating that this force equals the weight of the fluid displaced. It has practical applications in designing ships, submarines, and hydrometers, as well as in hot air balloon operation. Experimental verification can be conducted to measure the buoyant force and compare it to theoretical calculations.

Uploaded by

johnmed2005
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Theory of Archimedes' Principle

Introduction

Archimedes' principle is a fundamental law of physics that explains the buoyant force exerted on an
object submerged in a fluid. Named after the ancient Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes,
the principle is critical in understanding the behavior of objects in fluids and has various applications in
science and engineering.

Statement of the Principle

Archimedes' principle states: "Any object, wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, experiences a buoyant
force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object."

Explanation

When an object is placed in a fluid (liquid or gas), it displaces a certain volume of that fluid. The
displaced fluid exerts an upward force, known as the buoyant force, on the object. This force acts
opposite to gravity and is responsible for the floating or sinking behavior of the object.

Mathematical Expression

The buoyant force (Fb) can be mathematically expressed as:

𝐹𝑏=𝜌𝑓⋅𝑉𝑑⋅𝑔

Where:

𝐹𝑏 = Buoyant force

𝜌𝑓 = Density of the fluid

𝑉𝑑 = Volume of the fluid displaced by the object

𝑔 = Acceleration due to gravity

Applications

Ships and Submarines: The design of ships and submarines relies on Archimedes' principle to ensure
they float and maintain stability in water. The hull's shape and volume are designed to displace enough
water to create a buoyant force that supports the vessel's weight.
Hydrometers: Instruments like hydrometers use Archimedes' principle to measure the density of liquids.
A hydrometer floats at a level proportional to the density of the liquid, allowing for accurate
measurements.

Hot Air Balloons: The principle is also applied in the functioning of hot air balloons. The heated air inside
the balloon is less dense than the cooler air outside, creating a buoyant force that lifts the balloon.

Experimental Verification

To verify Archimedes' principle in a laboratory setting, an experiment can be conducted using a


graduated cylinder, a submerged object (e.g., a metal block), and a balance to measure weights. By
measuring the weight of the object in air and then in water, the buoyant force can be determined and
compared to the weight of the displaced water.

Procedure:

Measure the weight of the object in air (𝑊air).

Submerge the object in water and measure the apparent weight (𝑊water).

Calculate the buoyant force (𝐹𝑏=𝑊air−𝑊water).

Measure the volume of water displaced by the object using the graduated cylinder.

Calculate the theoretical buoyant force using the formula

𝐹𝑏=𝜌water⋅𝑉𝑑⋅𝑔 and compare it with the experimental value.

Conclusion

Archimedes' principle is a cornerstone of fluid mechanics, explaining the buoyant forces acting on
submerged objects. This principle not only aids in scientific understanding but also has practical
applications in various fields, from engineering to everyday tools. The experimental verification
reinforces the principle's accuracy and applicability.
Equipment used

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