How can the weight of a structure effectively counter buoyancy?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of how buoyancy works and how a structure can resist it. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an object immersed in it. For a structure, such as a bridge or a building that is submerged in water, the counteracting force to buoyancy is the weight of the structure itself.

Having sufficient mass ensures that the downward gravitational force acting on the structure outweighs the buoyant force acting upward. The larger the mass of the structure, the more weight it has to counteract the buoyancy. This is crucial for stability, particularly in environments where water or other fluids are present, as it mitigates the risk of the structure becoming buoyant and potentially floating or overturning.

Other options may seem plausible at first. Increasing surface area does not directly contribute to countering buoyancy; in fact, a larger surface area can increase buoyant force. Altering material density could potentially aid buoyancy but does not serve as a straightforward method to counteract it. Using lighter materials instead may reduce the overall weight of the structure, making it more likely to be affected by buoyancy rather than effectively countering it. Only by ensuring that the mass is sufficient can