Physics › Section H · Fluids › Topic H.3
Archimedes' principle
A steel ship floats, a pebble sinks, and a helium balloon tugs upwards on its string. One principle, more than 2000 years old, explains all three: a fluid pushes up on anything in it, and the push matches the weight of fluid shoved out of the way.
In this topic
- Where the upward push comes from
- Archimedes' principle
- Float, sink or hover
- How much of a floating object is submerged
- Worked example: loading a barge
- Ships, submarines, fish and balloons
- Apparent weight
- Worked example: aluminium on a spring scale
- Worked example: is the bar gold?
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…