which statement BEST explains Archimedes’ principle?
a. The intrinsic force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
b. The downward force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
c. The upward force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
d. The gravitational force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
c. The upward force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
c. The upward force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
To determine which statement best explains Archimedes' principle, let's first understand what Archimedes' principle states. Archimedes' principle is a fundamental principle in fluid mechanics that explains the buoyant force experienced by objects immersed in a fluid, such as water.
To find the answer, let's break down each statement and analyze its correctness in relation to Archimedes' principle:
a. The intrinsic force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
This statement is incorrect because Archimedes' principle does not refer to the "intrinsic force" on an object. It is more accurate to refer to the buoyant force acting on the object.
b. The downward force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
This statement is also incorrect because the downward force on an object is its weight, which is determined by its mass and the acceleration due to gravity. Archimedes' principle relates to the upward buoyant force acting on an object.
c. The upward force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
This statement is the correct explanation of Archimedes' principle. According to this principle, the buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. In other words, the upward force exerted on the object by the fluid is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.
d. The gravitational force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
This statement is incorrect because the Archimedes' principle is not directly related to the gravitational force acting on the object. The principle focuses on the buoyant force, which is exerted by the fluid on the object.
Therefore, the statement that BEST explains Archimedes' principle is c. The upward force on an object is equal to the weight of the water it displaces.