Gauss177
Feb4-07, 06:13 AM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The end of a tank containing water is vertical and has the indicated shape (in attached picture). Explain how to approximate the hydrostatic force against the end of the tank by a Riemann sum. Then express the force as an integral and evaluate it.
2. Relevant equations
P=1000gx
F=P*A (pressure * area)
3. The attempt at a solution
I think my main problem is finding the area of the ith strip. The pressure is relatively easy to calculate, and if I know the pressure and area I can integrate to find the hydrostatic force.
The end of a tank containing water is vertical and has the indicated shape (in attached picture). Explain how to approximate the hydrostatic force against the end of the tank by a Riemann sum. Then express the force as an integral and evaluate it.
2. Relevant equations
P=1000gx
F=P*A (pressure * area)
3. The attempt at a solution
I think my main problem is finding the area of the ith strip. The pressure is relatively easy to calculate, and if I know the pressure and area I can integrate to find the hydrostatic force.