Forces and flux tube cross sections of λ = 10 and λ = 5, before they reach the photosphere (at t = 26 min and at t = 34 min respectively). (a), d)) P_mag of the flux tubes at the y = 0 cross section. The solid white lines (horizontal and vertical) pass through the flux tubes centers. Black P_mag contours have the same values in both panels. Vertical white dashed lines mark the position of the flux tube’s outer part. (b), e)) z-component of forces along the vertical direction through the flux tube’s center (direction marked with the vertical solid white line in (a), d))). Green is gas pressure force minus gravity force, orange is magnetic pressure force, red is magnetic tension force and black the total force. (c),f)) The x-component of forces along the horizontal direction through the flux tube’s center (direction marked with the horizontal solid white line in (a), d))).