Question

Choose the correct statement regarding the “pressure exerted by the fluid.”
$P_A$: Pressure exerted by the fluid on plate A
$P_B$: Pressure exerted by the fluid on plate B
$P_C$: Pressure exerted by the fluid on plate C
$P_W$: Pressure exerted by the fluid on the walls of the container

• A. $P_A=P_C$
• B. $P_C>P_A>P_B$
• C. $P_W=0$
• D. $P_B>P_A$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $P_C>P_A>P_B$

We know that the pressure exerted by the fluid at a certain depth increases with the height of the liquid column above it.

It can be seen from the diagram that the heights of the fluid columns are $h_3>h_1>h_2$. Accordingly, we can conceptualise the pressure exerted on the plates as $P_C>P_A>P_B$.

It must also be noted that the fluid exerts pressure on the walls of the container. Here, the fluid is in contact with the upper wall in the 3rd container. Hence, $P_W\ne 0$.