How to Use the Archimedes Paradox for Educational Purposes

Abstract

The statics of fluids may seem simple at first but often poses problems for students when it comes to applying it to concrete cases. Despite its relatively simple laws, some subtleties, mainly related to the elastic characteristics of a fluid, must be noted. This elasticity allows the pressure exerted in a part of the fluid to propagate in its entirety, a non-intuitive concept for students as they consider more readily solid objects.