Which two factors are most significant in determining the buoyancy of a tank?

The significance of diameter and capacity in determining the buoyancy of a tank is rooted in the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics. Buoyancy is influenced by the volume of fluid displaced by the tank, which relates directly to the tank's diameter and capacity.

The diameter of the tank affects how much water is displaced as it is submerged. A larger diameter typically means a greater surface area, leading to a larger volume of displaced fluid, which in turn influences the buoyant force acting on the tank.

Capacity is directly related to the volume of the tank. A tank with a larger capacity can hold more fluid, but when submerged, the volume that it displaces still plays a crucial role in determining the net buoyant force.

Together, these two factors establish how well the tank resists sinking in a liquid, making them fundamental to understanding buoyancy in the context of underground storage tanks.