Question

Define hydrostatic paradox.

(A) It is the principle stating that the pressure exerted by a fluid at rest is the same in all directions.
(B) It is the phenomenon where a fluid at rest in a container exerts pressure equally in all directions.
(C) It is the concept that the pressure at a depth in a fluid is due to the weight of the fluid above that depth.
(D) It is the surprising fact that the height of the liquid in communicating vessels is independent of the shape or size of the vessels.

Answer 1

The hydrostatic paradox refers to the phenomenon where a fluid at rest in a container exerts pressure equally in all directions. So, the correct option is It is the surprising fact that the height of the liquid in communicating vessels is independent of the shape or size of the vessels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hydrostatic paradox refers to the phenomenon where a fluid at rest in a container exerts pressure equally in all directions. This principle is based on Pascal's observations and states that a change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid and to the walls of its container. It implies that the total pressure in a fluid is the sum of the pressures from different sources. For example, the pressure at a depth in a fluid is due to the weight of the fluid above that depth. This principle also explains the surprising fact that the height of the liquid in communicating vessels is independent of the shape or size of the vessels.