1. The buoyant force is greatest on the object in diagram c, followed by b, and then a.
2. The buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced water (Archimedes' principle). Since object c displaces the most water (highest water level rise), it experiences the greatest buoyant force. Object b displaces more than a, so its buoyant force is greater than a's.
3. To calculate buoyant force: Buoyant Force (N) = Weight in Air (N) - Weight in Water (N).
4. The amount of water rising in the graduated cylinder directly corresponds to the volume of water displaced by the object. The weight of this displaced water (in Newtons) equals the buoyant force acting on the object.
5. Therefore, the buoyant force is numerically equal to the weight of the water that rises in the graduated cylinder when the object is submerged.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of floating and sinking worksheet.
