8.3 Fluids and Newton’s Laws

Describe the conditions under which a fluid’s velocity changes.

• Newton’s laws can be used to describe the motion of particles within a fluid.
• The macroscopic behavior of a fluid is a result of the internal interactions between the fluid’s constituent particles and external forces exerted on the fluid.

Describe the buoyant force exerted on an object interacting with a fluid.

• The buoyant force is a net upward force exerted on an object by a fluid.
• The buoyant force exerted on an object by a fluid is a result of the collective forces exerted on the object by the particles making up the fluid.
• The magnitude of the buoyant force exerted on an object by a fluid is equivalent to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. Relevant equation: TOPIC 8.3 Fluids and Newton’s Laws