What is the Pressure on the Circular Side of a Cylindrical Drum of Molasses?

[fergust]

Homework Statement

A cylindrical drum of molasses is 25% full and laying on its side. The dimension sof the drum are 4 ft. height and 1.5 ft. radius. Find the pressure on the circular side (end) of the drum) created by the molasses.

Weight density of molasses = 100 lb/ft^3

Homework Equations

pressure = weight density x depth

The Attempt at a Solution

Total volume of drum = 9pi ft^3
Volume of molasses = 2.25pi ft^3

Thank you!

 

[diazona]

That's it?

We can't help you unless you make an effort to solve the problem first.

 

[willem2]

I wonder if the makers of this problem really want the pressure, or if they want the maximum pressure, or the force on the lid of the drum. The pressure is not constant.
To find the pressure you have to calculate weight density x depth. Finding the depth
will be the tricky part.
If you want to calculate the force, you have to integrate the pressure over the part of the side that's covered in molasses.