GCSE physics water pressure question

In another demonstration, the teacher uses this container.
The container is made of glass and each section has a different shape.
The teacher pours water into the container until it reaches the level shown in the
left-hand section.

(i) Complete the diagram by drawing the water levels in the other four sections.
(ii) Explain why the water fills the container in the way you have shown.

I understand that it will fill up to the same level regardless of the shape of each vessel but i dont understand the physics explanation behind it

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

So it’s to do with pascals principle. Basically the formula for pressure from a liquid is pressure= height*density*gravity. As water has the same density in all columns and gravity is constant then it doesn’t matter what shape the container is as the water still needs to have the same height for pressure at the bottom of the container to be equal. So at equilibrium, the height of the columns filled by liquid needs to be equal in such a container. Does that make sense?

Reply 2

Kallisto

Entertainment Forum Helper

Original post by TAli3333

Pascal's principle: under the circumstance that the water is poured into the container with different shapes, but same heights, water is transmitted everywhere and the pressure in the container is equally to all points and all directions throughout its way. That is possible because the fluid exerts at all walls the same force.