You are given the shape of the vertical ends of a trough that is completely filled with water. Find the force exerted by the water on one end of the trough. (The weight density of water is 62.4 lb/ft³.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force exerted by the water on one end of the trough can be found using the formula F = (1/2)ρghA, where ρ is the density of water, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h is the height of the water level above the end of the trough, and A is the area of the end of the trough. Since the trough is completely filled with water, the height of the water level above the end of the trough is equal to the height of the vertical end. Using the weight density of water, ρ = 62.4 lb/ft³, and the area of the end of the trough, we can calculate the force exerted by the water on one end of the trough. The shape of the vertical end doesn't matter as long as the area is known. Choosing answer C, we get:

F = (1/2)(62.4 lb/ft³)(32.2 ft/s²)(4 ft²)(6 ft) = 2662.4 lb

You Are Given the Shape of the Vertical Ends of a Trough