Is Upthrust A Contact Force? Exploring The Physics Behind Upthrust

“What is upthrust, and how does it work? Upthrust, also known as the buoyancy force, is a fundamental force that acts on an object when it is submerged in a fluid, which can be a liquid or a gas. This force operates due to the variation in hydrostatic pressure between the top and bottom of the submerged object. In other words, when an object is placed in a fluid, the pressure at the bottom of the object is greater than at the top, resulting in an upward force known as upthrust or buoyancy force. This force is crucial in understanding why objects float or sink in different fluids and plays a significant role in various aspects of science and engineering.”

Is reaction force equivalent to upthrust? To clarify, upthrust is a phenomenon that typically arises at the interface between a fluid and a solid, while normal reaction force occurs when two solid surfaces interact. However, it’s intriguing to note that a similar fluid-like effect akin to upthrust can be induced by submerging a solid object in a granular material like sand or small beads and agitating them. This simulation mimics the pressure exerted by atoms and leads to phenomena resembling upthrust. This fascinating connection between reaction forces and upthrust offers a deeper understanding of the interactions between solid materials and their surrounding environments. The reference date for this information is May 5, 2016.