Weight of a body in a water column

In summary, when a body is submerged in water, its weight is reduced due to the upthrust caused by the water pushing up on it. However, the weight of the water column above the body can be greater than the upthrust, potentially causing the weight of the body to increase. This is because the water above the body also exerts pressure on the surrounding water, resulting in a greater push up from below.
  • #1
AakashPandita
157
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The weight of a body is less when it is submerged in water, due to the upthrust.
But the weight of the water column above the body can be far more than the upthrust(weight of the displaced water).
So is it not that the weight of a body can increase when it is submerged in water?
 
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  • #2
AakashPandita said:
The weight of a body is less when it is submerged in water, due to the upthrust.
But the weight of the water column above the body can be far more than the upthrust(weight of the displaced water).
So is it not that the weight of a body can increase when it is submerged in water?

The water above you also pushes on all the water around you, which in turn ends up pushing you up from below (since pressure act in all directions). This push up is always greater than the push down.
 
  • #3
thank you.
 

FAQ: Weight of a body in a water column

How does the weight of a body change in a water column?

When an object is placed in a water column, it experiences an upward force called buoyancy. This buoyant force acts in the opposite direction of gravity, reducing the weight of the object. The weight of the object in the water column will be equal to its actual weight minus the buoyant force.

Why does a body weigh less in a water column compared to on land?

As mentioned before, the buoyant force in a water column reduces the weight of an object. This is because water is denser than air, so it exerts a greater upward force on the object. Additionally, the weight of the water that is displaced by the object also contributes to the reduction in weight.

Does the weight of a body change at different depths in a water column?

Yes, the weight of a body will change at different depths in a water column due to the varying pressure. As depth increases, the pressure also increases, causing the water to become denser. This means that the buoyant force will also increase, leading to a further reduction in the weight of the object.

Can the weight of a body in a water column be negative?

No, the weight of a body in a water column cannot be negative. The concept of weight is a measure of the force of gravity on an object, and it is always positive. However, the buoyant force may be greater than the weight of the object, resulting in a net upward force and making the object feel lighter.

How can the weight of a body in a water column be calculated?

The weight of a body in a water column can be calculated by first finding the weight of the object in air using a scale. Then, the weight of the displaced water can be measured using a container of known volume. The buoyant force can be calculated by multiplying the volume of the water by the density of water and the acceleration due to gravity. Finally, the weight of the object in the water column can be found by subtracting the buoyant force from the weight of the object in air.

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