# Buoyant force on partially submerged bodies

When a cylinder placed on a fluid,it is partially submerged and attains equilibrium at that state.

In equilibrium $$F_B=mg$$ Where $$F_B$$ is buoyant force and $$mg$$ is weight of the cylinder.

But we know that $$F_B=m_{liquid displaced} g$$

$$\implies m_{liquid displaced} g=mg$$

But in the above case $$m_{liquid displaced}$$ is not equal to $$m$$ as only a part of $$m$$ is inside the fluid.

During partial submersion, how can we write the equation for equilibrium state?

• Your equation is correct. The mass of the displaced liquid is equal to the mass of the entire cylinder (and larger than the mass of the portion of the cylinder which is below water). Apr 4 '21 at 19:08

There are two equal and opposite forces on the cylinder, $$w = m_{cyl}g$$, and $$F_B$$.
$$F_B$$ is the force from pressure that water exerts on the cylinder. Since the pressure increases with depth, forces on the bottom are greater, and these are directed upward.
$$F_B = m_{water}g$$
So $$m_{cyl}g = m_{water}g$$. We know the cylinder has a larger volume because some of it stick up above the water. So the cylinder is less dense.