Question

An object experiences a greater buoyant force in seawater than in fresh water. The most likely reason for this is

• A. seawater has greater osmotic pressure making the pressure difference greater at different depths
• B. fresh water has greater osmotic pressure making the pressure difference greater at different depths
• C. seawater has greater density
• D. fresh water has greater density

Hint:

The buoyant force is directly proportional to the density of the fluid. A denser fluid will exert a greater buoyant force on an object.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The buoyant force on an object is given by the equation \( F_b = \rho \cdot V \cdot g \), where \( \rho \) is the density of the fluid, \( V \) is the volume of the displaced fluid, and \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity. The buoyant force depends directly on the density of the fluid in which the object is submerged. Since seawater has a higher density than fresh water, the buoyant force experienced by an object will be greater in seawater because it displaces more mass per unit volume. This leads to a stronger upward force on the object when submerged in seawater.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) seawater has greater density.