Buoyancy: A Key Term in Fluid Mechanics

Definition and Explanation

Buoyancy refers to the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of a partially or fully immersed object. It results from the difference in fluid pressure acting on an object's upper and lower surfaces.

Key Concepts

Buoyancy is determined by the following factors:

1. Fluid density: Denser fluids exert greater buoyancy.
2. Object's volume: Larger objects experience greater buoyancy.
3. Object's shape: Streamlined objects have reduced buoyancy compared to irregular ones.
4. Acceleration due to gravity: The strength of buoyancy is dependent on the gravitational force acting on the object.