Question

A 10-kg piece of aluminum sits at the bottom of a lake, right next to a 10-kg piece of lead, which is much denser than aluminum. Which one has the greater buoyant force on it? A) Both have the same buoyant force.B) the aluminumC) the leadD) It cannot be determined without knowing their volumes.

Answer 1

B) the aluminum

Step-by-step explanation:

The density of an object is proportional to its mass and inversely proportional to its volume. Since lead is denser than aluminum and both pieces have the same mass, then the aluminum piece has a larger volume and due to this, it will also displace more fluid. The buoyant force is proportional to the volume of the displaced fluid. Therefore, the buoyant force on aluminum is greater.