Buoyancy
About
Topics
- Buoyancy
- Density
Description
When will objects float and when will they sink? Learn how buoyancy works with blocks. Arrows show the applied forces, and you can modify the properties of the blocks and the fluid.
Sample Learning Goals
- Predict whether an object will sink or float when placed in a liquid, given densities of the object and liquid
- Apply the definition of density to both liquids and solids
- Relate the buoyant force on an object to the weight of liquid it displaces
- Describe how the buoyant force is related to an object's relative density to the fluid
- Predict the weight of a completely or partially submerged object of known mass and volume
- Describe the forces that act on a completely or partially submerged object
- Explain how an object that is more dense than water can be kept afloat by placing it on an object that is less dense than water
For Teachers
Teacher Tips
Overview of sim controls, model simplifications, and insights into student thinking ( PDF ). |
Teacher-Submitted Activities
Title | Authors | Level | Type | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Algebra-based Physics Semester one lessons, clicker questions, and schedule in pdf (Inquiry Based) | Trish Loeblein | UG-Intro HS |
Lab HW Demo |
||
Buoyancy: How Does Buoyant Force Act on Objects in a Fluid? | Trish Loeblein | HS UG-Intro |
Lab | ||
How do PhET simulations fit in my middle school program? | Sarah Borenstein | MS | Other | ||
Alignment of PhET sims with NGSS | Trish Loeblein | HS | Other | ||
Buoyancy Lesson | Molly Hagan | K-5 | Guided | ||
MS and HS TEK to Sim Alignment | Elyse Zimmer | HS MS |
Other | ||
Buoyancy and Density | Jared Schmidt | HS MS |
Lab | ||
Pool Cubes 2 - Buoyancy | Dean Baird, Paul G. Hewitt | UG-Intro HS |
Lab | ||
Fluids Lab | Travis Brown | HS | Lab | ||
Buoyancy Lab | Jeremy Wegner | MS HS |
Lab HW |
||
Zinken, zweven of drijven. | Loran de | HS | Lab | ||
Simulações no Ensino de Fisica | Carla Tavares | HS | Guided HW Lab Discuss Demo Other MC |
||
Fuerza de Empuje, Densidad de Objetos y Fluidos | Elvis Rivera | MS HS |
Demo Lab |
||
Principio de Arquimedes | daniel cruz ochoa | MS | Lab |
Translations
Related Simulations
Software Requirements
Windows | Macintosh | Linux |
---|---|---|
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 Macromedia Flash 9 or later
|
OS 10.5 or later Macromedia Flash 9 or later
|
Macromedia Flash 9 or later
|
Credits
Design Team | Third-party Libraries | Thanks To |
---|---|---|
|
|