* Buoyant Force: This is an upward force exerted by a fluid (like water or air) on an object that is partially or fully submerged. It is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

* Gravity: This is the downward force pulling the object towards the center of the Earth.

When an object floats, the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the object. This means that the upward force from the fluid is strong enough to counter the downward force of gravity, resulting in the object staying afloat.