Deriving equation for force from pressure that varies with water level

1. May 9, 2007

cientifiquito

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Water is filled to a height H behind a dam of width w. Determine the resultant force exerted by the water on the dam.

2. Relevant equations

P=pgh = pg(H-y) (where p is density, greek rho)

dF = PdA = pg(H-y)wdy (where dA is a narrow horizontal strip of the dam with area wdy and dy is delta y, the change in height)

F = antiderivative (PdA) which is [pg(H-y)wdy] bounded by H and 0.

3. The attempt at a solution

The solution is 1/2pgwH^2, but I don't understand how to do the integration. In fact, it's not even a problem, it's an example (and I'm on break between semesters) but the fact that I can't remember how to take the integral is bothering me. If anyone can make sense of my ascii attempt to copy the steps, and then explain it, I'll really appreciate it.

Thanks.

2. May 9, 2007

hage567

p,g,w are constants, you can take them outside the integral. Then you are left with (H-y)dy. That's pretty straightforward, just take the antiderivative of each term, with respect to y. Does that help?

3. May 9, 2007

cientifiquito

Yes, thanks hage567.