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ASVAB · Fluids and Hydraulics

Why does an object feel lighter when submerged in water?

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Correct answer

The water exerts an upward buoyant force on the object

  1. A Water removes the object's mass
  2. B The water exerts an upward buoyant force on the object
  3. C Gravity stops working underwater
  4. D The object actually weighs more

Why this is the answer

An object feels lighter in water because the water exerts an upward buoyant force on it. According to Archimedes' principle, this buoyant force equals the weight of the fluid the object displaces. The buoyant force partially counteracts gravity, so the object's apparent weight is reduced. If the buoyant force equals or exceeds the object's weight, the object floats; if it's less, the object sinks but still feels lighter than in air. Understanding buoyancy — the upward force from a fluid that makes submerged objects feel lighter — is part of the fluids topic.
Source: ASVAB MC, Buoyancy

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About this topic: Fluids and Hydraulics

Fluids and hydraulics questions cover pressure (force ÷ area), Pascal's principle in hydraulic jacks and brakes, buoyancy, and how fluid speed and pressure change in pipes of different sizes. This is one of 13 Mechanical Comprehension questions on fluids and hydraulics, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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