Which cup filled with water would have the least pressure per square inch at the bottom?

• A. Option A
• B. Option B
• C. Option C
• D. Option D

Answer: (C)

The cup that would have the least pressure per square inch at the bottom is the one that has the least height of water. Pressure in a fluid is determined by the height of the fluid column above a given point, because it is the weight of the fluid that contributes to the pressure exerted at the bottom.

Therefore, if Option C represents a cup with the least amount of water compared to the others, it will exert the least pressure at the bottom. The pressure is calculated using the formula ( P = \rho \times g \times h ), where ( P ) is the pressure, ( \rho ) is the density of the fluid, ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, and ( h ) is the height of the fluid. Since the cups are filled with water, the pressure varies directly with the height of the water. Thus, the cup that is shortest in height will result in the lowest pressure at its base.