Buoyancy Simulator - An Interactive Physics Experiment

Buoyancy Simulator

Created by: Ir. MD Nursyazwi

Explore how mass, volume, and fluid density affect whether an object sinks or floats, now with a visual representation of the forces.

Controls

Select Object Custom Object Stone Boat Ship Iceberg Rubber Duck Steel Ball

Object Mass (kg)

Object Volume (m³)

Select Fluid Fresh Water Salt Water Oil Custom Fluid

Fluid Density (kg/m³)

Water density is ~1000 kg/m³.

Results

Gravitational Force (F_g): 0 N

Buoyant Force (F_b): 0 N

Net Force (F_net): 0 N

Object State: ...

How to Use the Buoyancy Simulator

This simulator allows you to explore the principles of buoyancy by manipulating the properties of an object and the fluid it's placed in. Follow these steps to begin your simulation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select an Object: In the Controls panel, you can choose from a list of pre-defined objects like a `boat` or a `steel ball`. Each has realistic mass and volume values.
   • To create a custom object, select "Custom Object" and manually enter the Object Mass (kg) and Object Volume (m³) in the fields below.
2. Select a Fluid: Next, choose a fluid from the dropdown menu, such as `fresh water` or `oil`.
   • To use a custom fluid, select "Custom Fluid" and enter the Fluid Density (kg/m³).
3. Start the Simulation: Click the Start Simulation button. The object will drop into the fluid, and you'll see the forces acting on it as it moves.
4. Observe the Results: The Results panel will show you the real-time calculations for:
   • Gravitational Force (F_g): The downward force on the object.
   • Buoyant Force (F_b): The upward force from the fluid.
   • Net Force (F_net): The total force that determines if the object sinks or floats.
   • Object State: A description of the object's current behavior (e.g., Sinking, Floating, Rising).
5. Reset and Experiment: Use the Reset Values button to return all settings to their default state and start a new experiment. Try different combinations of objects and fluids to see how the results change!

The Physics Behind the Simulation

The simulator uses two fundamental formulas from physics, and all units are based on the International System of Units (SI).

Gravitational Force (F_g)

This is the force of gravity pulling the object downwards. It's calculated using the object's mass and the acceleration due to gravity.

F_g = m x g

• F_g: Gravitational Force, in Newtons (N)
• m: Object Mass, in kilograms (kg)
• g: Acceleration due to gravity, a constant value of approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth

Buoyant Force (F_b)

This is the upward force exerted by the fluid on the submerged object. It is equal to the weight of the fluid that the object displaces (Archimedes' principle).

F_b = ρ x V_submerged x g

• F_b: Buoyant Force, in Newtons (N)
• ρ: Fluid Density, in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³)
• V_submerged: Volume of the object that is submerged in the fluid, in cubic meters (m³)
• g: Acceleration due to gravity, 9.81 m/s²

Net Force (F_net)

The net force is the difference between the gravitational force and the buoyant force, which determines the object's movement.

F_net = F_g - F_b

• If F_net > 0, the object sinks because the gravitational force is stronger.
• If F_net < 0, the object rises because the buoyant force is stronger.
• If F_net ≈ 0, the object floats because the forces are balanced.