In a compartment that has been completely flooded with water, the greatest pressure will be exerted __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — along the bottom of any bulkhead

Hydrostatic pressure in a flooded compartment increases linearly with depth, defined by the formula P = ρgh. Because the pressure is directly proportional to the depth of the fluid column, the maximum pressure is exerted at the lowest point of the bulkhead, which is the bottom of the compartment.