Question

# What is the principle of floatation?

Hint: To solve this question, we will be using Archimedes principle which states that if an object is partially or fully submerged in fluid, it exerts an upward force called buoyant force. The apparent decrease of weight caused by the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid, displaced by the object. From the relation between actual weight and apparent weight, we will define the principle of floatation.

Now, let us take ${{W}_{1}}=mg$ as the actual weight of the body and ${{W}_{2}}={{F}_{b}}$ as the buoyant force excreted by the fluid. Then,
If ${{W}_{1}}>{{W}_{2}}$, the resultant force on the object is downwards, causing it to sink. When the density of the object is greater than that of fluid, this condition arises.
If ${{W}_{1}}={{W}_{2}}$, when the densities of the object and the fluid are equal, the actual weight and the buoyant force become equal. The object can float at any depth in a fully submerged state.
And if ${{W}_{1}}<{{W}_{2}}$, the net force acts in the upward direction leading to a partially submerged condition of the object. The density of the object is less than the fluid in such cases.