Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsForces, density and pressure9702/12 · May/June 2013 · Q111 Mark

A submarine is in equilibrium in a fully submerged position. [Figure showing a cross-section of a submarine with steel, air, and sea water labeled] What causes the upthrust on the submarine?

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

AThe air in the submarine is less dense than sea water.
BThe sea water exerts a greater upward force on the submarine than the weight of the steel.
CThe submarine displaces its own volume of sea water.
DThere is a difference in water pressure acting on the top and on the bottom of the submarine.

✓ Correct answer

D: There is a difference in water pressure acting on the top and on the bottom of the submarine.

Practise more questions on this topic

Oracle Prep sorts past-paper questions by topic, so you can drill Forces, density and pressure and see which topics are most likely to come up next.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Forces, density and pressure, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source
A-Level Physics, May/June 2013 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 11.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Physics questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep