Here's why:
* Pressure and Depth: Fluids exert pressure in all directions. This pressure increases with depth. The bottom of an object submerged in a fluid experiences greater pressure than the top of the object.
* Net Upward Force: The difference in pressure between the top and bottom of the object results in a net upward force. This is the buoyant force.
* Archimedes' Principle: This principle states that the buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
Key Points:
* Buoyancy acts regardless of the object's density.
* If the buoyant force is greater than the object's weight, the object will float.
* If the buoyant force is less than the object's weight, the object will sink.
