JEE Physics · Hard

Fluid Mechanics: Buoyancy MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

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BuoyancyHardQuestion 30980

Question

A block of wood (mass 100 g, density 500 kg/m³) is held submerged in water (density 1000 kg/m³). Force needed to hold it is (g = 10 m/s²):
  1. A
    1 N upward
    Correct
  2. B
    1 N downward
  3. C
    0 N
  4. D
    2 N upward

Correct answer

1 N upward

Explanation

Volume = 100g/500 = 200 cm³ = 2×10⁻⁴ m³. Buoyancy = 1000×10×2×10⁻⁴ = 2 N. Weight = 0.1×10 = 1 N. Net upward force = 2−1 = 1 N. So 1 N downward force needed to hold it.