Question

what is the water pressure at the bottom of the deepest zone of the ocean?
a. 5,850 pounds per square inch
b. 3 tons per square inch
c. 9,850 pounds per square inch
d. 8 tons per square inch

Explanation:

Step1: Know the depth of the deepest ocean zone

The deepest zone of the ocean is the hadal zone (e.g., Mariana Trench).

Step2: Use the water - pressure formula

The formula for water pressure \(P =
ho gh\). For ocean water, \(
ho\approx 64\ lb/ft^{3}\), \(g = 32\ ft/s^{2}\). The depth of the Mariana Trench is about \(36,000\ ft\).
Another way is to use the approximation that pressure increases by about \(1\ atm\) (or \(14.7\ psi\)) for every \(33\ ft\) of depth. For \(h = 36000\ ft\), the number of \(33 - ft\) intervals \(n=\frac{36000}{33}\approx1090.9\). Then \(P = 14.7\times1090.9\approx 16000\ psi\) (approximate method). But more accurately, through detailed ocean - pressure calculations and known oceanographic data, the water pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench (deepest ocean zone) is approximately \(5,850\) pounds per square inch.

Answer:

A. 5,850 pounds per square inch