Which statement correctly describes the pressure experienced by a small rock placed at the bottom of a 20 cm deep glass of water compared to the pressure at the surface?

Step-by-step solution

1. Pressure in a fluid depends only on depth, density and gravity.
2. Use $P=\rho gh$ to compare pressure at two depths.
3. For the surface $h=0$, so $P_{\text{surface}}=0$ (relative to atmosphere).
4. For the bottom $h=0.20,\text{m}$, so $P_{\text{bottom}}=\rho g(0.20)>0$.
5. Thus pressure at the bottom is greater than at the surface.

Concept tested: Pressure increases with depth in a fluid

Published 7 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked