A rectangular tank is moving horizontally in the direction of its leng...
To determine the angle of the water surface in the tank, we need to consider the forces acting on the water. Since the tank is open at the top, the water surface will be parallel to the horizontal plane. Let's analyze the forces acting on the water in the tank:
1. Gravitational force (Weight):
The weight of the water acts vertically downward and can be calculated using the formula:
Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity
2. Buoyant force:
The buoyant force acts vertically upward and is equal to the weight of the water displaced by the tank.
3. Inertial force:
As the tank accelerates horizontally, an inertial force acts on the water in the opposite direction. This force is equal to the mass of the water multiplied by the acceleration of the tank.
Since the tank is open at the top, the water surface will be parallel to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the forces acting in the vertical direction (gravitational force and buoyant force) will balance each other. This means that the water will not overflow from the tank.
Now let's calculate the angle of the water surface to the horizontal:
1. Determine the acceleration of the water:
Since the tank is accelerating horizontally with a constant acceleration of 3.6 m/s^2, the water inside the tank will also experience the same acceleration.
2. Calculate the angle of the water surface:
The angle of the water surface to the horizontal can be calculated using the formula:
θ = arctan(acceleration of the water / acceleration due to gravity)
Substituting the values, we get:
θ = arctan(3.6 / 9.8) ≈ 20.15 degrees
Therefore, the angle of the water surface to the horizontal is approximately 20.15 degrees. Hence, option A is the correct answer.