This Java applet shows a simple experiment concerning the buoyancy in a liquid: A solid body hanging from a spring balance is dipped into a liquid (by dragging the mouse!). In this case the measured force, which is equal to the difference of weight and buoyant force, is reduced.

You can change (within certain limits) the preselected values of base area, height and densities by using the appropriate text fields. After you have pressed the "Enter" key, the program will indicate the new values of depth, replaced volume, buoyant force, weight and measured force. A gravitational acceleration of  g = 9.81 m/s² was presupposed.

If you see the words "Maximum exceeded!" (red letters), you have to choose an adequate measuring range.

Law of Archimedes: The buoyant force is equal to the weight of the replaced liquid or gas.

Physics Applets (Overview)

URL: http://home.a-city.de/walter.fendt/physengl/buoyforce.htm
© Walter Fendt, April 19, 1998
Last modification: March 15, 1999