Buoyancy
Buoyancy
Buoyancy (/ˈbɔɪ.ən.si/), derived from the Middle English word "boy", meaning "float", is a force exerted by a fluid that opposes an object's weight. In simpler terms, it is the ability of an object to float in a fluid.
Definition
Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid (such as water or air) that opposes the weight of an immersed object. It is an essential principle in Fluid Mechanics and plays a crucial role in many scientific and real-world applications, including the design of ships and submarines, weather balloons, and even in the field of medicine.
Etymology
The term "buoyancy" is derived from the Middle English word "boy", which means "float". It was first used in this context in the late 16th century.
Principle
The principle of buoyancy was first discovered by the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes. According to Archimedes' Principle, an object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This is what allows objects to float or sink in a fluid.
Related Terms
- Density: The mass per unit volume of a substance. It is one of the factors that determine the buoyancy of an object in a fluid.
- Displacement: In the context of buoyancy, it refers to the volume of fluid displaced by an object.
- Gravity: The force that attracts a body towards the centre of the earth, or towards any other physical body having mass. It is the force against which buoyancy acts.
- Hydrostatics: The branch of fluid mechanics that deals with fluids at rest. It includes the study of buoyancy.
In Medicine
In the field of medicine, buoyancy plays a crucial role in Hydrotherapy, where the buoyancy of water is used to assist in the rehabilitation and therapy of patients. It is also used in the design of medical devices such as artificial hearts and lungs, where the buoyancy of the device needs to be considered.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Buoyancy
- Wikipedia's article - Buoyancy
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