Questions: As shown in the figure, fluid fills a container having several sections. At which of the indicated points is the pressure greatest?

Solution Steps

We need to determine at which of the indicated points (A, B, C, or D) the pressure is greatest in a fluid-filled container with several sections.

In a static fluid, the pressure at a given depth is the same regardless of the container's shape. The pressure at a point in a fluid is given by the equation: $$P = P_0 + \rho gh$$ where:

• $P$ is the pressure at the point,
• $P_0$ is the atmospheric pressure,
• $\rho$ is the fluid density,
• $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity,
• $h$ is the depth of the point below the fluid surface.

• Point A is at the surface, so its depth $h_A = 0$.
• Point B is at depth $h$.
• Point C is at the same horizontal level as B, so its depth $h_C = h$.
• Point D is at the same horizontal level as B and C, so its depth $h_D = h$.

Final Answer