Draw a force diagram for an object that is floating at the surface of a liquid. Is the force exerted by air on the object included in your diagram? Explain.

Answer 1

The force diagram for an object floating at the surface of a liquid would include the force of gravity (Fg) pulling the object down, the buoyant force (Fb) pushing the object up, and the normal force (Fn) pushing the object away from the surface of the liquid. The force exerted by air on the object is not included in the diagram, as the object is not in contact with the air. The air pressure is equal on all sides of the object, so the air does not exert a force on the object.