What is the purpose of a baffle in a liquid cargo tank?

The purpose of a baffle in a liquid cargo tank is to reduce liquid flow and surge. When a tank carrying liquid cargo is in motion, the liquid can create waves or slosh due to acceleration, deceleration, or cornering. This slosh can affect the stability and control of the vehicle, posing a risk to safety. Baffles are internal partitions that help to break up the flow of liquid, minimizing the movement and surge of the cargo within the tank. By disrupting the wave motion, baffles contribute to a more stable ride and reduce the risk of tipping or loss of control during transport.

While there are other components and considerations for tank design, such as ventilation or structural integrity, the primary function of baffles specifically addresses the dynamics of liquid movement within the tank, making option B the correct answer.