The two vertical limbs of a U-tube are separated horizontally by 0.50 m. The tube contains water and is accelerated horizontally with 4 m/s². Taking g = 10 m/s², what is the difference between the liquid levels in the two limbs?
Options

Question

The two vertical limbs of a U-tube are separated horizontally by 0.50 m. The tube contains water and is accelerated horizontally with 4 m/s². Taking g = 10 m/s², what is the difference between the liquid levels in the two limbs?

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

In the accelerating frame, the free surface is perpendicular to the effective gravity vector. For horizontal acceleration a, tanθ = a/g. The vertical level difference between two points separated horizontally by L is Δh = L tanθ = La/g. Therefore, Δh = 0.50×4/10 = 0.20 m = 20 cm. Correct option: C.