Why Archimedes’ Principle is a Must-Know for the MCAT

Ever wondered why objects seem lighter underwater? That mystery is beautifully explained by Archimedes’ Principle — and it’s more than just a physics curiosity. This principle shows up on the MCAT, and other health science exams, often buried in passage-based questions. Today, I’ll walk you through how Archimedes’ Principle works and how to recognize it on test day, using one of King of the Curve’s exclusive science visuals.

What Is Archimedes’ Principle?

“The buoyant force on a submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.”

Let’s break that down:

• Imagine submerging a solid object in water.

• Water pushes up with a force called the buoyant force.

• That force is equal to the weight of the water displaced by the object.

MCAT & DAT Application: How This Shows Up on Exams

On exams like the MCAT or DAT, Archimedes’ Principle is rarely stated outright. Instead, you'll see it hidden in questions about:

• Fluid mechanics

• Density vs. weight

• Apparent weight underwater

• Volume displacement problems

Example:

"An object weighs 7 lb in air and 4 lb submerged. What is the weight of the displaced fluid?"

🧠 Answer: The difference in weight (3 lb) is the buoyant force — matching the weight of the displaced water. Just like the image shows!

Quick Tips for Test Day

• Know your units: Buoyant force is a force — measured in Newtons (N) or pounds (lb) depending on the context.

• Watch for volume clues: Sometimes, you’ll calculate displacement using volume and density:
  Buoyant Force = ρ × V × g

• Tie it to density: Less dense objects displace less fluid. If it floats, it displaces an amount equal to its own weight, not volume.

Why This Matters for Premeds Right Now

April is a busy month for MCAT takers gearing up for summer test dates. And for pre-dental students, fluid mechanics often gets overlooked — but it’s fair game on the DAT! Now’s the time to reinforce this concept, especially with such a visual, intuitive principle.

For more essential breakdowns of test-worthy concepts, check out: 👉 kingofthecurve.org/pre-med-essentials
👉 kingofthecurve.org/studyscience

🧠 Final Takeaway

Archimedes’ Principle is one of those "aha!" topics — once you see the visual, it just clicks. With King of the Curve’s science library, long-term learning becomes second nature. Save this image. Revisit it before test day. Let the water do the talking. 💧

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many hours should I study for the MCAT each day?

  Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.

• What is the best way to handle test anxiety?

  Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

• How can I stay motivated during the long application process?

  Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.

• What role does exercise play in MCAT preparation?

  Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.

• How does King of the Curve help with MCAT preparation?

  KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.