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[Phys-l] Definition of upthrust or buoyancy



Dear all,

Upthrust or buoyancy is defined by some as the upward force on an object produced by the surrounding fluid (i.e., a liquid or a gas) in which it is fully, or partially immersed, due to the pressure difference of the fluid between the top and bottom of the object.

However, this definition has a problem: If the object is at rest at the bottom of the ocean floor (assuming tight fit) with no fluid at the bottom of this object, do you agree that there is no upthrust or buoyancy for this situation?

Upthrust or buoyancy should be better defined as the magnitude of the weight of fluid displaced by the body instead?


Best regards,
Alphonsus