Buoyancy Experiment Calculator
Calculate buoyant force and apparent (immersed) weight using fluid density, displaced volume, and gravity.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the fluid density
For water use ρ ≈ 1000 kg/m³. Use actual fluid density for other liquids.
Enter the displaced volume
This is the volume of liquid displaced by the immersed part of the object.
Enter gravity and object weight in air
Use g = 9.81 m/s² unless you need a different local gravity. Provide the object’s weight in newtons measured in air.
Click Calculate
You’ll get the buoyant force and the apparent weight while immersed.
Formula
F_b = ρ · g · V, W_app = W_air − F_b
Where: F_b is buoyant force (N), ρ is fluid density (kg/m³), g is gravity (m/s²), V is displaced volume (m³).
W_app is apparent weight in the fluid, W_air is the weight in air.
Example: ρ = 1000 kg/m³, V = 0.002 m³, g = 9.81 m/s² → F_b = 19.62 N.
About Buoyancy Experiment Calculator
This tool helps you analyze simple buoyancy experiments and Archimedes’ principle, predicting how much lighter an object feels when submerged.
When to Use This Calculator
- Lab experiments: Estimating buoyant force from measured displacement.
- Design checks: Floats, hydrometers, or submerged components.
- Education: Demonstrating Archimedes’ principle.
- Quick estimates: Apparent weight changes in different fluids.
Tips for Best Results
- Measure displaced volume carefully (e.g., overflow method).
- Use the correct fluid density (temperature dependent).
- Ensure units are consistent (SI recommended).
- Account for air bubbles trapped on the object.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does buoyant force depend on the object’s material?
No. Buoyant force depends only on the displaced fluid (ρ, g, V), not on the object’s material.
Why is apparent weight sometimes zero?
If buoyant force equals or exceeds weight in air, the object is neutrally buoyant or floating.
How do I get displaced volume?
Submerge the object and measure overflow, or compute from geometry of the immersed part.
Does temperature matter?
Yes. Fluid density changes with temperature; use an appropriate value for accuracy.