Archimedes Buoyancy Formula and washing astronauts

In summary, on the moon, the upthrust force is greater than on Earth, thus the astronaut will float lower in the water.
  • #1
TFM
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Homework Statement



In the future, astronauts living on the moon will have baths in their accommodation. When using them, will they float higher in the water than on earth? Explain fully the reasoning behind your answer.

Homework Equations



Achimedes Buoyancy

The Attempt at a Solution



See, I know roughly what I need to do, but I can't find a formula that expresses Archimedes Buoyancy principle. I know it is upthrust force is equal to something like volume of water displaced, thus:

[tex] F = mg = volume [/tex]

but this is not right, since one side is Newtons, the other m^3

I know that I need this formula, and that the force will change because the difference in gravity (from f = mg), but I just can't seem to see a formula. Any Ideas?

Thanks,

TFM
 
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  • #2
I know it is upthrust force is equal to something like volume of water displaced

Upthrust force = weight of the displaced liquid.
 
  • #3
Excellent. Thanks. So

Upthrust force = weight of water displaced

for this question, the weight of the water displaced is mg. This means that we need to deal with the mass in terms of its density and volume. Thus:

[tex] F_{upthrust} = volume*density * g [/tex]

since the astronaut won't change volume, this value is constant, so we can use any volume for the astronaut. Keeping it simple, I will say he has a volume of 1m^3

density of water: 1000 kg/m^3

thus:

[tex] F_{upthrust} = 1*1000 * g [/tex]

[tex] F_{upthrust} = 1000*g [/tex]

this means on Earth, the upthrust force will be 9800 N

on the moon, g = 1.7 m/s^2

thus the upthrust force will be 1700 N

the Upthrust force is greater on Earth then it is on the moon, thus the astronaut will float lowere on the water then he does on Earth.

Does this look right?

Thanks,

TFM
 
  • #4
Hey the astronaut is on the moon too.
he has a moon weight
 
  • #5
I din't think about that, so basically, its a case of the upthrust is acting upwards, and the weight is acting downwards?

So on Earth, upwards we have:

[tex] 1000*g [/tex]

downwards we have mg

On the moon we have upwards:

[tex] 1000g_2 [/tex]

where g2 is the moons g,

and downwards we have

[tex] mg_2 [/tex]

Should I assume that the total force is 0, so that

[tex] 1000g - mg = 0 [/tex]

[tex] 1000g_2 - mg_2 = 0 [/tex]

?

TFM
 
  • #6
Surely the point is that the ratio between the astronaut's density and that of water will remain unchanged on the moon. Upthrust will decrease but so will the weight to be buoyed up. Both forces depend on the local gravity. So I guess he'll take his bath as usual.
 
  • #7
I have to say, that makes a lot of sense, and since both force will decrease by the same amount, there won't be any change.

will they float higher in the water than on earth

From the question. See, I interpreted this as higher in the water, or lower. my first thought was that it wouldn't change, but my interpretation of the question made me think it couldn't be.

Thanks,

TFM
 

FAQ: Archimedes Buoyancy Formula and washing astronauts

What is the Archimedes Buoyancy Formula?

The Archimedes Buoyancy Formula is a mathematical formula that calculates the upward force, or buoyant force, exerted on an object immersed in a fluid, such as water. It is represented by the equation Fb = ρVg, where Fb is the buoyant force, ρ is the density of the fluid, V is the volume of the displaced fluid, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

How does the Archimedes Buoyancy Formula apply to washing astronauts?

The Archimedes Buoyancy Formula is essential in understanding how astronauts can wash their bodies in space. Since there is no gravity in space, the buoyant force is the only force acting on an object in a fluid. The formula helps to determine the amount of water needed to create the necessary buoyant force to wash the astronaut's body and the force required to rinse off the soap.

Why is the Archimedes Buoyancy Formula important for astronauts in space?

The Archimedes Buoyancy Formula is crucial for astronauts in space as it allows them to conserve water while still being able to maintain personal hygiene. By understanding the relationship between the volume of water and the buoyant force, astronauts can efficiently use the limited water supply on the spacecraft for washing purposes.

How does the Archimedes Buoyancy Formula support the maintenance of a microgravity environment?

The Archimedes Buoyancy Formula plays a significant role in maintaining a microgravity environment on a spacecraft. By using the formula, astronauts can accurately measure the amount of fluid needed to create the necessary buoyant force, which helps to create a simulated gravity-like environment for performing daily tasks, such as washing and exercising.

Are there any limitations to the Archimedes Buoyancy Formula in a microgravity environment?

While the Archimedes Buoyancy Formula is a useful tool for maintaining a microgravity environment, it does have limitations. The formula assumes that the fluid is at rest and that the object is fully submerged in the fluid, which may not be the case in a microgravity environment. Additionally, the formula does not account for the effects of surface tension, which can impact the behavior of fluids in a microgravity environment.

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