Two identical fish, both at sea level, float in two identical aquariums with identical quantities of water. Fish A is in Alaska, so it weighs more than fish B at the equator, since g is larger at sea level in Alaska. Which statement is correct?
A) A comparison is impossible unless they are both floating at the same level.
B) Fish A displaces a greater quantity of water than fish B.
C) Fish B displaces a greater quantity of water than fish A.
D) They both displace the same quantity of water.
E) Fish A has a smaller acceleration than Fish B when equal horizontal forces are applied to each, because Fish A weighs more.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The buoyant force on an object is determined by the volume of water it displaces, which is directly related to its volume, not its weight. Since the fish are identical and in identical quantities of water, they displace the same quantity of water regardless of the gravitational differences at their locations.

Two Identical Fish, Both at Sea Level, Float in Two