Buoyancy
Recommended for grades 5–8.
Introduction
When an object is immersed in water, it pushes water aside. The buoyant force of water on the object reduces the weight of the object. In this experiment, you will determine and compare the buoyant force on an object and the weight of the water pushed aside (displaced) by the object for three objects. The Greek mathematician Archimedes first studied this relationship during the third century B.C.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Force Sensor to measure the weights of objects in and out of water.
- Determine the buoyant force of water on each object.
- Determine the weight of water displaced by each object.
- Compare buoyant force to weight of water displaced for each object.
- Use the results of the experiment to explain why objects sink or float.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Middle School Science with Vernier »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.