When comparing two tanks with the same surface area and volume, which statement about pressure at the bottom of the tanks is accurate?

The focus of this question lies in understanding how pressure at the bottom of a tank is determined. When comparing two tanks with the same surface area and volume, the pressure at the bottom of the tanks will be the same, provided the fluid in both tanks is at the same height and density.

Pressure in a fluid at a particular depth is calculated using the hydrostatic pressure formula: P = ρgh, where P is the pressure, ρ is the fluid density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the fluid column above the measurement point. Since both tanks have the same volume, surface area, and presumably contain the same fluid, the height of the fluid column is the same, and hence the pressure at the bottom is equal.

This principle applies regardless of the shape of the tanks (as suggested by one of the incorrect options), as hydrostatic pressure depends primarily on the height of the fluid rather than tank geometry. Additionally, factors like water temperature, while influencing fluid properties, do not affect the fundamental calculation of pressure at a given depth in this context, further validating the reasoning behind the correct answer.

Therefore, since both tanks have the same height of fluid, the pressure exerted at the bottom will be