50 cm3 of wood is floating on water, and 50cm3 of iron is totally submerged. Which has the greater buoyant force on it?
(A) The wood.
(B) The iron.
(C) Both have the same buoyant force.
(D) Cannot be determined without knowing their densities.
Correct option (B) The iron.
The wood is floating and is only partially submerged. It does not displace a weight of water related to its entire volume. The iron however is totally submerged and does displace a weight of water equal to its entire volume. Since the iron displaces more water, it has a larger buoyant force acting on it.
