GS-2 Physical Sciences Question 31

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You are correct that if we were to simply drop the block in water then when it reaches its equilibrium point, because it is less dense than water, it could not possibly be completely immersed under the water.

However, examine the end of the passage which specifically states:

"Consider the situation where a square block of pine wood is being immersed in water."

- which means that the block is being physically held under water; furthermore, the question states:

"What is the maximum possible buoyant force that can be obtained when the block is held in water?"