Question:medium

An open tank filled with water (density $\rho$) has a narrow hole at a depth of $h$ below the water surface. The velocity of water flowing out is

Show Hint

This is Torricelli's law: the speed of efflux is $\sqrt{2gh}$, same as the speed of a freely falling body.
Updated On: May 3, 2026
  • $h\rho g$
  • $2gh$
  • $\sqrt{2gh}$
  • $\sqrt{2h\rho g}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The problem involves finding the velocity of water flowing out of a hole in a tank. This can be solved using Torricelli's theorem, which states that the speed \( v \) of efflux of a fluid under gravity through a hole at a depth \( h \) is given by the equation:

\(v = \sqrt{2gh}\)

where:

  • \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \(9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2\) on the surface of the Earth).
  • \(h\) is the depth of the hole below the water surface.

Let's evaluate why the velocity \(v\) is \(\sqrt{2gh}\):

  1. \(h\rho g\): This expression gives force per unit area (pressure), not velocity.
  2. \(2gh\): This represents the energy per unit mass, not the velocity directly.
  3. \(\sqrt{2gh}\): Torricelli's theorem directly equates this to the velocity of the efflux at a depth \(h\).
  4. \(\sqrt{2h\rho g}\): Incorrect because the inclusion of \(\rho\) (density) is not applicable here.

Therefore, the correct answer is the velocity of water flowing out is \(\sqrt{2gh}\).

Was this answer helpful?
0