Question

Sharks are generally negatively buoyant; the upward buoyant force is less than the weight force. This is one reason sharks tend to swim continuously; water moving past their fins causes a lift force that keeps sharks from sinking. A 92 kgbull shark has a density of 1040 kg/m3. What lift force must the shark's fins provide if the shark is swimming in seawater? Bull sharks often swim into freshwater rivers. What lift force is required in a river?

Answer 1

866.92 N

Step-by-step explanation:

mass of shark, m = 92 kg

density, d = 1040 kg/m^3

Volume, V = mass / density

V = 92 / 1040 = 0.08846 kg/m^3

The lift force is the buoyant force acting on the shark is

Lift force = Volume x density of water x g

Lift force = 0.08846 x 1000 x 9.8

Lift force = 866.92 N

Thus, the lift force is 866.92 N.