archimedes principle

[mcgill2012]

are we supposed to view these problems as force vector problems? ie: if the object is floating, the weight of the object = the buoyant force, if the object sinks, the weight of the object exceeds the buoyant force and accelerates downward?

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[vsl5]

Yes to what you said.
Just remember that buoyant force is equal to weight of fluid displaced ALWAYS. Volume of fluid displaced is equal to volume of object for a SUBMERGED object.

 

[SoonerLuke]

Yes to what you said.
Just remember that buoyant force is equal to weight of fluid displaced ALWAYS. Volume of fluid displaced is equal to volume of object for a SUBMERGED object.

Yeah this is helpful to remember. If an object is floating, it displaces an amount of fluid equal to its own WEIGHT. However, if an object has sunk, it only displaces an amount of fluid equal to its own VOLUME.