The upward force of water displaced by the hull is called what?

• A. Drag
• B. Weight
• C. Buoyancy
• D. Thrust

Answer: (C)

Buoyancy is the upward force from displaced water. According to Archimedes’ principle, the hull pushes water aside as it moves through it, and the water presses back on the hull with a net upward force equal to the weight of the water that would occupy the submerged volume. This buoyant force balances the ship’s weight when it’s afloat. If more water is displaced (the hull sinks deeper), buoyancy increases until equilibrium is reached.

Drag is the horizontal resistance from water, weight is the gravitational pull downward, and thrust is the forward push from propulsion. Hence the upward force from displaced water is buoyancy.