Question 65 QMED02 - Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer

The Correct Answer is C 1. **Why option C ("along the bottom of any bulkhead") is correct:** Pressure ($P$) in a static fluid (like water) is determined by the formula $P = \rho gh$, where $\rho$ (rho) is the density of the fluid, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is the depth. Since $\rho$ and $g$ are constant, the pressure is directly proportional only to the depth ($h$). In a completely flooded compartment, the greatest depth is always found at the bottom of the structure. Therefore, the water will exert the maximum pressure along the bottom edge of any internal or external bulkhead. 2. **Why each of the other options is incorrect:** * **A) at a point that is one-third from the bottom of the bulkhead:** This point is deeper than the surface but is not the deepest point possible. Therefore, the pressure here is significant but not the maximum. * **B) at the vertical center of the bulkhead:** The vertical center is exactly halfway between the top and the bottom. The pressure here is only half of the maximum pressure exerted at the bottom, meaning it is not the location of the greatest pressure. * **D) along the top of the bulkhead:** The top of the bulkhead is at or near the surface of the flooded water (depending on if the compartment is fully enclosed and completely full). Since the depth ($h$) is minimal (or zero at the free surface), the pressure exerted is minimal, or the lowest possible.