Fb = ρVg Formula – Buoyancy Practice
Fb = ρVg — Buoyant force (Archimedes)
The buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced fluid: Fb = ρVg, where ρ is fluid density and V is displaced volume.
Guide — how to use this formula
- 1. Identify fluid density ρ and displaced volume V.
- 2. Fb = ρVg; rearrange for V, ρ, or g.
- 3. Floating: Fb equals the object’s weight.
- 4. Convert litres → m³ when needed (1 L = 0.001 m³).
Derivation
Archimedes’ principle: upward force equals weight of fluid displaced:
- Weight of displaced fluid:
W_{\text{fluid}} = m g = \rho V g - Buoyant force:
F_b = \rho V g
Use fluid density, not object density, in Fb = ρVg.
Examples
Example: water, V = 0.05 m³, g = 10
Fb = 1000×0.05×10 = 500 N.
Example: find V
Fb = 2000 N, ρ = 1000, g = 10 → V = 0.2 m³.