I keep getting “Pressure in a fluid” questions wrong in Mechanical Properties of Fluids. What's the trap?
thinking a wider container has higher pressure at the same depth.
The usual trap: thinking a wider container has higher pressure at the same depth. How to avoid it: same liquid, same depth → same pressure, whatever the container's shape. Go back to the definition — pressure at depth h is P = P0 + ρgh — it depends on depth and density, not on the shape or amount of liquid.
Key point
Pressure in a fluid
Common mistake
thinking a wider container has higher pressure at the same depth.
Memory tip
same liquid, same depth → same pressure, whatever the container's shape.
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