Two identical containers X and Y are connected at the bottom by a thin tube of negligible volume. The tube has a valve in it, as shown in the figure. Initially container X has a liquid filled up to height h in it and container Y is empty. When the valve is opened, both containers have equal amount of liquid in equilibrium. If the initial (before the valve is opened) potential energy of the liquid is P_{1} and the final potential energy is P_{2} then

  1. A. P_{1}=P_{2}
  2. B. P_{1}=4P_{2}
  3. C. P_{1}=2P_{2} ✓
  4. D. P_{1}=8P_{2}

Correct Answer: C. P_{1}=2P_{2}

Explanation

Initially, the center of mass of liquid is at height h/2. After opening the valve, the liquid levels out to height h/2 in both containers, making the new center of mass h/4. Thus, final potential energy is half of the initial.

Related questions on Physics

Practice more NDA GAT questions