Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (C) — is inclined to the horizontal with larger depth at the rear end
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedWhen the tanker accelerates forward with acceleration $a$, a backward pseudo force (inertial force) of $-ma$ acts on every fluid element in the frame of the tanker. The effective gravitational acceleration vector becomes $\vec{g}{\text{eff}} = \vec{g} - \vec{a}$, pointing downward and backward. Since fluid surfaces adjust perpendicular to $\vec{g}{\text{eff}}$, the free surface tilts at an angle $\tan\theta = a/g$, resulting in a larger fluid depth at the rear end and smaller depth at the front end.
Inertia throws the liquid backward during forward acceleration, piling it up at the rear.
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