Physics
Floating submerged fraction
When the object floats, this is the proportion of its volume sitting below the surface.
The Formula
submerged fraction = object weight / buoyant force
When the object floats, this is the proportion of its volume sitting below the surface.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| f | Submerged fraction | fraction | Proportion of the volume below the waterline. |
| W | Weight | N | Downward force due to gravity. |
| F | Buoyant force | N | Upward force available at full submersion. |
What Each Symbol Means
ffraction
Submerged fraction
Proportion of the volume below the waterline.
WN
Weight
Downward force due to gravity.
FN
Buoyant force
Upward force available at full submersion.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate buoyancy page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Buoyancy, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.