Question

29) Lead is denser than aluminum. (a) Is the buoyant force on a solid lead sphere greater than, less than, or equal to the buoyant force on a solid aluminum sphere of the same diameter? (b) Does your answer to part (a) depend on the fluid that is causing the buoyant force?

Answer 1

a)

Buoyant force varies directly with the density, volume and mass of the displaced fluid. According to Archimedies principle, the buoyant force equals the weight of fluid displaced. The lead sphere has more weight than the aluminium sphere. This means that it would displace more fluid. Thus, the lead sphere experiences a greater buoyant force

b) The buoyant force is is also affected by the type of fluid. Different fluids have different densities. If the density of the object is greater than the density of the fluid, it tends to sink. Thus, the answer is Yes