A conical flask has base radius $a$ cm and height $h$ cm. it is completely filled with milk. The milk is poured into a cylindrical thermos flask whose base radius is $p$ cm. What will be the height of the milk level in the flask?
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A$\frac{a^2h}{3p^2}$ cm
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B$\frac{3hp^2}{a^2}$ cm
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C$\frac{p^2}{3h^2}$ cm
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D$\frac{3a^2}{hp^2}$ cm
Answer
Correct Answer: $\frac{a^2h}{3p^2}$ cm
Explanation
### Concept & Conservation of Volume
When a liquid is poured from one container to another without spilling, its total volume remains constant. Equate the volume of the cone to the volume of the cylinder.
$$ V_{\text{cone}} = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 h $$
$$ V_{\text{cylinder}} = \pi r^2 h $$
### Step-by-Step Solution
- The volume of milk in the conical flask is $V = \frac{1}{3} \pi a^2 h$.
- This milk is transferred into a cylindrical flask with base radius $p$. Let the height of the milk level be $H$.
- The volume of milk in the cylinder is $V = \pi p^2 H$.
- Equating the volumes: $\pi p^2 H = \frac{1}{3} \pi a^2 h$.
- Canceling $\pi$ from both sides: $p^2 H = \frac{1}{3} a^2 h$.
- Solving for $H$: $H = \frac{a^2 h}{3 p^2}$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Set up the equation instantly by remembering the ratio of volumes. A cone is exactly one-third the volume of a cylinder with the same base and height. Since bases differ, adjust directly: $\frac{1}{3}a^2h = p^2H$.
### Common Pitfall
Forgetting the $\frac{1}{3}$ factor in the cone's volume formula, which incorrectly leads to option (d).
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **$\frac{a^2h}{3p^2}$ cm**.