You are camping in the breathtaking mountains if Colorado. You spy an unopened diet soda can floating motionless below the surface of a lake. What is the direction and amount of force the water exerts on it?
A) Zero
B) Down, equal to the can's weight
C) Up, equal to the can's weight
D) Not enough information is given

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The water exerts an upward buoyant force on the can, equal to the weight of the water displaced by the can. This is why the can floats below the surface rather than sinking or rising, indicating equilibrium between the can's weight and the buoyant force.

You Are Camping in the Breathtaking Mountains If Colorado