Two blocks of identical mass are placed in water. One is made of aluminum, the other of wood. The wood block is noted and therefore floating. Upon which is the buoyant force greater? 1) on the aluminum block, 2) on the wood block or 3) they both experience the same buoyant force.

They have the same mass.

The force up on the wood block is m g

the force up on the Al block is its volume * density of water * g
but what is its volume?
Al density = 2.7 * density water = 2700 kg/m^3
so volume = m/2700
so force up on Al is
(m/2700)1000 g
= m g/2.7

the force up on the wood is 2.7 times greater

To determine which block experiences a greater buoyant force, we need to understand the factors that affect the magnitude of the buoyant force. The buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

In this case, both blocks are submerged in water, so the fluid we are considering is water. The weight of the water displaced by each block is equal to the buoyant force experienced by that block.

Now, let's analyze the situation:

1) Aluminum block: The aluminum block is denser than water, which means it will sink. When the block sinks, it displaces a volume of water equal to its own volume. This displaced volume of water has a weight equal to the buoyant force acting on the aluminum block.

2) Wood block: The wood block is less dense than water, which enables it to float. When the block floats, it displaces a volume of water equal to its submerged volume. This displaced volume of water has a weight equal to the buoyant force acting on the wood block.

The key point to note here is that the volume of water displaced by each block is the same. Since they have identical masses, this means they have the same volume.

Therefore, the buoyant force experienced by both blocks is the same. So, the correct answer is 3) they both experience the same buoyant force.