What does buoyant mean
float
push
sink
flying
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is float.
Explanation:
The term buoyant refers to the ability of an object to float or rise when placed in a liquid, typically water. This ability is related to the concept of buoyancy, which is the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes an object’s weight. When an object is placed in a fluid (like water), it experiences this buoyant force. If the buoyant force is greater than or equal to the weight of the object, the object will float. If the buoyant force is less than the weight, the object will sink.
Buoyancy is a fundamental principle described by Archimedes’ Principle, which states that “any object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.” For an object to be buoyant (or float), it must displace a volume of fluid whose weight is greater than or equal to its own weight.
The buoyancy of an object depends on several factors, including:
- Density of the object: Objects that are less dense than the fluid they are placed in will generally float. For example, a piece of wood is less dense than water, so it floats. On the other hand, a rock is denser than water, so it sinks.
- Density of the fluid: The more dense the fluid, the greater the buoyant force. Freshwater and seawater have different densities, and objects may float differently depending on the water’s salinity and temperature.
In contrast:
- Push refers to applying force in a direction to move something.
- Sink refers to an object going down into the liquid, usually due to its higher density compared to the liquid.
- Flying refers to the movement of objects through the air, typically associated with aerodynamics and lift, not buoyancy.
Therefore, buoyant specifically means the ability to float on or in a fluid, making float the correct choice.