2016/05/24 by Stylianos-Vasileios Kontomaris, Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris, Anna Malamou
Engineering · Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Base (topology) #Classical mechanics #Computer science #Container (type theory) #Engineering #Epistemology #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #Hydrostatic equilibrium #Mathematical analysis #Mathematics #Mechanical engineering #Mechanics #Philosophy #Physics #Quantum mechanics #Simple (philosophy) #Theoretical physics
paper · doi:10.1088/0031-9120/51/4/045010
openalex publication_date 2016/05/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
An interesting problem in fluid mechanics, with significant educational importance, is the classic hydrostatic paradox. The hydrostatic paradox states the fact that in different shaped containers, with the same base area, which are filled with a liquid of the same height, the applied force by the liquid on the base of each container is exactly the same. However, if the shape of the container is different, the amount of the liquid (and as a consequence the weight) can greatly vary. In this paper, a simple explanation of the hydrostatic paradox, specifically designed and implemented for educational purposes regarding secondary education, is provided.