Question

The container shown in the figure below is filled with a liquid of density ρ. Note that the container has a height h₁ and area of cross-section A₁ for the upper half height h₂ and area of crosssection A₂ for the lower half. Find: 

1. The pressure at the base of the container. 

2. Force exerted by the liquid on the base of the container.

Answer 1

1. The pressure at the base of the container is due to the liquids both at the upper and lower half.

∴ P_Total = P₁ + P₂

P_Total = ρgh₁ + ρgh₂

P_Total = ρg(h₁ + h₂)

2. Force exerted on the bottom of the container,

P = P_Total × A₂

F = ρg(h₁ + h₂) × A₂.