The SCI 301 Puzzler

Three glass containers, made from the same amount of glass, have identical bottom surface areas (A). They are filled to the same height (not volume!) with water. The resulting net pressure at the bottom of each (P = rgh) due to the height (h) of the water will be identical for all three containers. Hence the total force F = PA acting on the bottom of the glasses will also be identical. One might think the scale readings should reflect this net force.

Yet the scale for the container on the right will clearly read highest (there's more water!) and the scale for the one on the left will read lowest. Explain how this can be.

(Hint: Think about the sides of the containers.)

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