The Underwater World

 

Buoyancy

This means that if an object displaces an amount of water weighing more than its own weight, it will float. If an object displaces an amount of water weighing less than its own weight, it will sink. If an object displaces an amount of water equal to its own weight, it wrill neither float nor sink, but remain suspended in the water. If an object floats, we call it positively buoyant ifit sinks, we call it negatively buoy ant and if it neither floats nor sinks, we call it neutrally buovant. A buoyancy change that makes some-thing more likely to float is called having "more" buoyancy: a change that makes something more likely to sink icalled having "less" buoyancy.

As a diver. it important to learn to control your buoyancy at the surface and underwater because it Lets you control where you are in the water. For instance, you'll learn to establish positive buoyancy at the surface so you can save energy and rest. Underwater, you'll remain neutrally buoyant most of the time - almost weightless, like an astronaut so you can swim effortlessly and move freely in all directions. Staying neutrally buoyant keeps you off the bottom so you avoid injuring delicate aquatic life.

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Dive Equipment Equipment Identification Fins Give Preview Introduction Padi Open Water Pressure and Your Body Regulators Scuba Systems

Scuba Tanks SnorkelsSubmersible Pressure Succed Course The Effects of Increased Air Density The Effects Pressure The Underwater World The Buddy System Valve Types