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Which condition must be satisfied for a body to float?

AIts real weight equals the upthrust acting on it
BThe upthrust equals the weight of the fluid displaced
CIts apparent weight equals its real weight minus upthrust
DIts apparent weight equals real weight times upthrust
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Its real weight equals the upthrust acting on it
1. A floating body is in equilibrium, so the upward and downward forces on it must balance. 2. The downward force is the body's real weight and the upward force is the upthrust. 3. So floating requires the real weight to equal the upthrust. 4. The body must also be dense enough to displace a large volume, and less dense than the surrounding fluid. 5. Saying upthrust equals the weight of fluid displaced states Archimedes' Principle, which holds for any immersed body whether it floats or sinks — that confusion is the recorded trap. _Source: NECTA CSEE 2022 Physics 031, Question 1: Multiple Choice, item (ii)_
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