Buoyant forces and temperature

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between temperature, buoyant force, and the volumetric expansion of an aluminum sphere submerged in water. It is mentioned that if the volumetric expansion of the aluminum is equal to the density decrease of water, there should be no significant change in buoyancy. The conversation concludes with the individual expressing their gratitude for the information provided.
  • #1
kmkindig
4
0
I was just looking through an internet site and there was this question... Will the buoyant force acting on on aluminum sphere submerged in water increase or decrease if the temperature of both is increased. Why? This question just sparked my interest because i am not a physics major but now a little about physics and didnt know the answer. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
If the volummetric expansion of the aluminum is the same as the density decrease of the water, then there is no nearly no change in the buoyancy, because the buoyancy force F is equal to the mass of the water M the sphere displaces minus the mass of the sphere m, times g: F = (M-m)g.
 
  • #3
Hey that helps out a lot! Thank you very much and that conquers my curiousity. Thanks again
 

Related to Buoyant forces and temperature

1. What is buoyancy and how does it relate to temperature?

Buoyancy is the upward force that a fluid exerts on an object that is partially or fully submerged in it. This force is a result of the difference in density between the object and the surrounding fluid. Temperature affects buoyancy because it can change the density of both the object and the fluid, altering the amount of buoyant force acting on the object.

2. Does temperature affect the buoyancy of all objects equally?

No, temperature affects buoyancy differently depending on the type of object and fluid. For example, an increase in temperature may cause an object made of metal to expand and become less dense, while the same increase in temperature may cause a fluid like water to expand and become more dense. This can result in different levels of buoyant force acting on the object.

3. How does the temperature of the fluid affect the buoyancy of an object?

The temperature of the fluid can impact the buoyancy of an object in two ways. First, it can directly affect the density of the fluid, which in turn affects the buoyant force acting on the object. Second, temperature changes can also cause thermal expansion or contraction of the object, altering its density and therefore the buoyant force.

4. Can changing the temperature of a fluid cause an object to sink or float?

Yes, changing the temperature of a fluid can definitely affect whether an object sinks or floats. For example, if the temperature of a fluid decreases, causing it to become more dense, an object that was previously floating may now sink due to an increase in the upward buoyant force acting on it.

5. Is there a specific temperature at which an object will experience the most buoyant force?

No, there is no specific temperature at which an object will experience the most buoyant force. The buoyant force acting on an object will vary depending on the density of the object and the fluid it is submerged in. Temperature changes can affect the density of both the object and the fluid, so the buoyant force will also change accordingly.

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