Chapter 19, Problem 8A

Why does the buoyant force on submerged objects not act sideways?

To determine

To Explain: The buoyant force on submerged object does not act sideways.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Buoyant force is the net upward force exerted by a liquid on the submerged object. Liquid exert pressure on the object which is immersed in it.

When an object is immersed in water, forces act on the object from all directions. The pressure acting on the object on the side ways is same because of the same depth. The sideways forces acting on the object are equal and opposite. These forces cancel each other.

Conclusion:

The sideways forces cancel each other.