Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fundamental principle of fluid mechanics: Archimedes' principle is a law of physics stating that any object, wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Usage

• Archimedes' principle explains why ships float and why objects feel lighter in water.
• The principle is applied in designing submarines, hot air balloons, and in measuring the density of irregular solids.
• Calculations using Archimedes' principle involve the density of the fluid and the volume of the displaced fluid.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The buoyancy of the boat can be calculated using Archimedes' principle.
  • Understanding Archimedes' principle is essential for solving many hydrostatics problems.
  • According to Archimedes' principle, the upward buoyant force is equal to the weight of the displaced water.

Advanced Usage

• "To apply Archimedes' principle": To use this physical law to solve a problem related to buoyancy or flotation.
  • To determine if the crown was pure gold, the king's scientist had to apply Archimedes' principle.
• "In accordance with Archimedes' principle": As stated or predicted by this principle.
  • The submarine surfaced because, in accordance with Archimedes' principle, its overall density became less than that of the surrounding water.

Variants and Related Words

• Buoyancy (n): The ability or tendency to float in a fluid, directly explained by Archimedes' principle.
  • The buoyancy provided by the life jacket is a practical application of Archimedes' principle.
• Buoyant force (n): The upward force exerted by a fluid on an immersed object, quantified by Archimedes' principle.
  • The buoyant force on the object was calculated to be 5 newtons.
• Displacement (n): The act of moving something aside or, in fluid mechanics, the volume of fluid displaced by an object.
  • The ship's displacement indicates how much water its hull pushes aside.

Synonyms

• Law of buoyancy: Another name for Archimedes' principle.
• Buoyancy principle: A descriptive synonym focusing on the effect explained.

Related Phrases

• Principle of flotation: A specific corollary stating that a floating object displaces a weight of fluid equal to its own weight.
  • The principle of flotation is a direct consequence of Archimedes' principle for objects at rest on the fluid's surface.

Noun

1. (hydrostatics) the apparent loss in weight of a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid