If the water level in Tower 1 is 118 feet, what will the pressure reading be at the base?

To determine the pressure at the base of a water tower, you can use the hydrostatic pressure formula, which states that pressure (in psi) can be calculated using the equation:

Pressure (psi) = Height (feet) x 0.433

In this scenario, the height of the water column in Tower 1 is 118 feet. Using the formula:

Pressure = 118 feet x 0.433 psi/foot = 51.074 psi

Rounding this value gives approximately 51.1 psi. This corresponds with the answer choice selected, making it the correct response.

Understanding that the hydrostatic pressure is generated by the weight of the water above the point of measurement clarifies why a higher water level results in a proportionately higher pressure reading. Each foot of water typically exerts about 0.433 psi at the base. Therefore, any calculations based on this method will yield the correct pressure values as long as the height is measured accurately.