Hydrostatic pressure depends on depth below the liquid surface

Steps:

• Recall that pressure in a static liquid is given by P = ρgh, where ρ is density, g is gravity, and h is depth from the surface.
• Since the liquid and g are the same for all cylinders, pressure at a given point depends only on the depth h below the surface.
• Assume positions A, B, C, D are at the bottoms of the cylinders; compare liquid heights to find maximum h.
• The cylinder with the greatest height has the greatest h at its bottom, thus maximum pressure.

Why B is correct:

• B has the tallest liquid column, so maximum depth h and thus greatest P = ρgh.

Why the others are wrong:

• A has a shorter height, so smaller h and lower pressure.
• C has a medium height, so moderate h and less pressure than B.
• D has the shortest height, so minimal h and lowest pressure.

Final answer: B