AP Physics: Pressure & Buoyancy

Front

What is pressure in a fluid?

Back

Pressure is defined as the force exerted per unit area on a surface. In fluids, it is calculated using the formula P = F/A, where P is pressure, F is the force applied, and A is the area over which the force is distributed.

Front

What is Pascal's principle?

Back

Pascal's principle states that when pressure is applied to a confined fluid, the pressure change is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid in all directions.

Front

What is buoyancy?

Back

Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object that is submerged or floating in it. It is responsible for the ability of objects to float.

Front

What is Archimedes' principle?

Back

Archimedes' principle states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences a buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Front

How does the area of a hydraulic lift affect the force needed to lift an object?

Back

In a hydraulic lift, a larger area on one side allows a smaller force to lift a heavier object on the other side, due to Pascal's principle.

Front

What happens to the water level when an object is added to a floating boat?

Back

The water level rises when an object is added to a floating boat because the total volume of water displaced increases.

Front

What is the relationship between density and buoyancy?

Back

An object will float if its density is less than the density of the fluid it is in. If the object's density is greater, it will sink.

Front

How do you calculate the buoyant force on an object?

Back

The buoyant force can be calculated using the formula: Buoyant Force = Weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Front

What is the formula for calculating pressure at a certain depth in a fluid?

Back

Pressure at a depth in a fluid is calculated using the formula: P = P0 + ρgh, where P0 is the atmospheric pressure, ρ is the fluid density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the depth.

Front

What is the significance of fluid density in determining whether an object will float or sink?

Back

Fluid density determines the buoyant force acting on an object. An object will float if its density is less than the fluid's density.