Question

1 analyze the free body diagram below why is the swimmer not swimming on top of the water? a the force of gravity (weight) is greater than the buoyant force. b the buoyant force is greater than the gravitational force. c the buoyant force is equal to the gravitational force. d the mass of the displaced water is equal to the mass of the displaced water.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand floating condition

When an object floats, the net - force acting on it is zero. In the case of a swimmer in water, the two main forces are the gravitational force ($\vec{w}_{obj}$) acting downwards and the buoyant force ($\vec{F}_{B}$) acting upwards.

Step2: Analyze force equilibrium

For the swimmer to be floating on the water surface and not sinking or rising, the upward buoyant force must balance the downward gravitational force. That is, $\vec{F}_{B}=\vec{w}_{obj}$.

Answer:

C. The buoyant force is equal to the gravitational force.