Question

A closed rectangular tank with dimensions 4 m by 2 m by 3 m is filled with water to a depth of 1 m as shown in the figure. If the tank is turned so that it rests on its smallest face, find the new depth of water in the tank.

Answer 1

We have,

A closed rectangular tank with dimensions 4 m by 2 m by 3 m is filled with water to a depth of 1 m as shown in the figure.

Now we know that,

Volume of a cuboid = (Length) × (Breadth) × (Height)

 Then, volume of the water in the tank = 241 = 8 m³  ...(i)

Now, if the tank is turned so that it rests on its smallest face (2 m by 3 m)

Let the new depth of water in the tank be h metres

Then, volume of water in the tank = (2)(3)(h) = 6h m³  ...(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get,

6h = 8

`h = 8/6`

`h = 4/3 = 1 1/3` m

Therefore, the new depth of water in the tank is `1 1/3` m.