About Buoyancy: Basics
When will objects float, and when will they sink? Learn how buoyancy works by experimenting with different blocks, modifying their volume and mass, and placing them in the pool with fluids of different densities. Analyze the forces generated when the block is inside the pool, and identify the variables that affect the buoyant force.
How to play Buoyancy: Basics
Everything is hands-on: drag, click and experiment — the simulation reacts instantly. When will objects float, and when will they sink?
Questions & answers
- What is Buoyancy: Basics?
- Buoyancy: Basics is a free interactive simulation from PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder) that you can play right in your browser on crumble.lol — no downloads and no sign-up. When will objects float, and when will they sink? Learn how buoyancy works by experimenting with different blocks, modifying their volume and mass, and placing them in the pool with fluids of different densities.
- What can kids learn from Buoyancy: Basics?
- It helps kids explore: identify the variables that affect whether an object sinks or floats in a liquid. predict whether an object will sink or float when placed in a liquid. describe the forces that act on a completely or partially submerged object. describe what apparent weight is.
- What age is Buoyancy: Basics good for?
- It is designed for middle school (roughly ages 10–14) up to high school, and curious kids outside that range can absolutely enjoy poking around it too.
- Is Buoyancy: Basics free to play?
- Yes — Buoyancy: Basics is completely free on crumble.lol and runs fully in your browser on computers and tablets.