(a) What are fluids? Name two common fluids.
(b) State Archimedes’ principle.
(c) When does an object float or sink when placed on the surface of a liquid?
(a) Those substances which can flow easily are called fluids. All the liquid and gases are fluids, like water, air etc.
(b) Archimedes’ Principle : When an object is wholly (or partially) immersed in a liquid, it experiences a buoyant force (or upthrust) which is equal to the weight of liquid displaced by the object. Buoyant force on an object = weight of liquid displaced by that object
(c) If the buoyant force exerted by the liquid is less than the weight of the object, the object will sink in the liquid. If the buoyant force exerted by the liquid is equal to or greater than the weight of the object, the object will float in the liquid.