Question

the object in the image above is floating in a container of water, force a represents...
buoyant force
applied force
gravity
air resistance

Explanation:

When an object floats in a fluid, the upward - acting force exerted by the fluid on the object is the buoyant force. In the image, force A is acting upwards on the floating object in the water, which is characteristic of the buoyant force. Applied force would be an external push or pull applied by an external agent (not shown as such here), gravity acts downwards, and air resistance is not relevant in this context of forces acting on a floating object in water.

Answer:

A. buoyant force