The buoyancy force would reduce the apparent mass of the cup by the mass of the displaced air. It may not be significant but if you want to be precise, you need to account for it.
Just like how a helium balloon isn't negative mass, it just appears to be because of the buoyancy force, it's important to account for the mass of the displaced air to be precise.
orijing t1_j1qswfx wrote
Reply to comment by PA2SK in How is density measured in porous materials? by That_Lego_Guy_Jack
The buoyancy force would reduce the apparent mass of the cup by the mass of the displaced air. It may not be significant but if you want to be precise, you need to account for it.
Just like how a helium balloon isn't negative mass, it just appears to be because of the buoyancy force, it's important to account for the mass of the displaced air to be precise.