Let's analyze each statement: 1. **The buoyant force is caused by the weight of the submerged object.** - **False.** The buoyant force is not caused by the object's weight, but by the displaced fluid. 2. **The buoyant force is always greater than the weight of the displaced fluid.** - **False.** According to Archimedes' principle, the buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced fluid. 3. **The buoyant force is a result of increasing pressure with depth.** - **True.** The pressure increases with depth in a fluid, causing an upward force (buoyant force) because the pressure at the bottom of the object is greater than at the top. 4. **The buoyant force is independent of an object's submerged volume.** - **False.** The buoyant force depends on the volume of fluid displaced, which is equal to the object's submerged volume. 5. **For equal masses, the denser mass will have the greater buoyant force in a fluid.** - **False.** For equal masses, the less dense object displaces more fluid (because it occupies more volume), so it experiences a greater buoyant force. **Best answer:** **The buoyant force is a result of increasing pressure with depth.**