Did You Know?

Why do you feel lighter in water? In a full bathtub you can easily raise yourself up on your fingertips, thanks to the buoyant effect of the water. Try the same thing while sitting on the floor, supported only by air--it's not so easy! Water is dense enough to help support your weight. Air exerts a buoyant force on you too, but it is so small compared to your weight that it has almost no effect on you.

(Rev. 10/22/96)