A column of water sits atop a column of mercury (density 13{,}600\text{kg/m}^3). At the water-mercury interface, which is correct?

Pressure is continuous (same on both sides of the interface) Pressure must be continuous across a fluid interface; otherwise net forces would cause flow.

Pressure is higher in the mercury

Pressure equals atmospheric only

Pressure is continuous (same on both sides of the interface)

Pressure

AP Physics 1· difficulty 2/5

13{,}600~\text{kg/m}^3

A
$Pressure is higher in the mercury$
B
$Pressure equals atmospheric only$
C
$Pressure is continuous (same on both sides of the interface)$
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D
$Pressure is zero$

Explanation

Pressure must be continuous across a fluid interface; otherwise net forces would cause flow.

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