Buoyant Force on Bottom

Most recent answer: 09/11/2015

Q:
Suppose a solid block of iron rests at the bottom of a tub of water does it still experience a buoyant force?If so, with no liquid underneath it how can there be an upward pressure on its under surface?
- Gunner (age 17)
Israel
A:

You're absolutely right. If the block is sitting exactly on the bottom with no water in between, then there's no buoyant force. The upward force comes directly from the tub. If there is some water underneath parts of the block, then there's some buoyant force, but most of the upward force still comes from the tub.

Mike W.


(published on 09/11/2015)