# Differential Equation of a hemispherical bowl

1. Feb 8, 2006

### jamesbob

A hemispherical bowl has a radious of R (metres) and at a time t = 0 is full of water. At that moment a circular hole of radius a (centimetres) is opened in the bottom of the bowl. Let y be the vertical height of the water above the hole at time t. Then y is governed by the differential equation

$$\pi(Ry-y^2)\frac{dy}{dt} = -\pi(a10^{-2})^2\sqrt{2gy},$$​

where $$g = 9.8m/s^2$$ is gravity.

Solve this differential equation to find y as an implicit function of t.

I need help with this. Im unsure of how to start. Do i try gather all the y terms on one side and everything else on the other?

2. Feb 8, 2006

### daveb

Do you notice the equation is separable, so that f(y)dy = Cdt for some constant C?

3. Feb 8, 2006

### jamesbob

Yes, can i say:

$$\frac{(Ry-y^2)dy}{\sqrt{2gy}} = \frac{-\pi(a10^{-2})^2dt}{\pi}$$ ?

4. Feb 8, 2006

### daveb

Now you should be able to integrate both sides (don't forget the constant of integration afterwards).

5. Feb 8, 2006

### Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
I've merged the old thread into this one.

6. Feb 13, 2006

### jamesbob

im having difficulty integrating this. how do i get it into a form that is managable or atleast more recognisable??

thanks

7. Feb 13, 2006

### daveb

You have
(Ry-y^2)dy/sqrt(2gy) = Rydy/sqrt(2gy) - y^2dy/sqrt(2gy). Reduce the fractions, and you should be able to find the antiderivative of each term. Does that help?

8. Feb 14, 2006

### jamesbob

um kinda. Im not 100% sure on integrating them.

would i get:

$$\frac{2Ry^2}{\sqrt{2gh}} = \frac{3y^2}{\sqrt{2gh}} ??$$

9. Feb 14, 2006

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Where did "h" come from?? There was no h in anything you wrote before.

$$\frac{(Ry-y^2)dy}{\sqrt{2gy}}$$
$$= \frac{1}{\sqrt{2g}}\left(Ry^{\frac{1}{2}}- y^{\frac{3}{2}}\right)dy$$