Differentiation rate of flow from a cylinder

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the flow of water from a cylindrical tank under the influence of gravity, described by a differential equation relating the height of the water column to time. The original poster seeks to determine the height of the water column over time and the initial volume of water in the tank based on given measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the differential equation and expresses confusion regarding the constants involved. Some participants question the correctness of the integration process and suggest using the power rule for integration. Others clarify the integration result and its implications for solving the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the integration process and how to apply initial conditions to solve for constants. There is a focus on clarifying the mathematical steps needed to progress in the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that while the problem is framed in a physics context, it is intended for a mathematical modeling course, which may influence the approach to the solution.

azzarule
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1.
Water flows out of a cylindrical tank under gravity via a tap, the height h(t) of the water column above the tap satisfies the differential equation in the form
dh/dt = -2k√h
where k is some positive constant.
The water column has a height initially of 25m. The tap is turned on and after 50 minutes its height is 24 metres.
Want to compute the height of the column after t minutes.

Then water collected during the first 12 minutes was measured to have volume of 303.9 m3. Calculate how much water in volume was originally in the tank.




2. Homework Equations are above



3. Attempt:
dh/dt = -2k√h
dh/2√h = -kdt
1/2*dh/√h = -kdt
integrate both sides
1/2*2/√h = -kt + C
2/2√h = -kt+c
when h=25 t = 0
2/2√25 = -k0+c
c=0.2
so
2/2√h = -kt+0.2
now I want in the form h=...
I have tried this a few different ways the k constant is confusing me when there is also constant c
although this is worded like a physics problem it is for a mathematical modelling undergraduate subject.
Another solution that I got made sense but could not be solved for the initial condition t=0 it was undefined
 
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Your integration of \frac{\,dh}{2\sqrt{h}} is not quite correct. Remember you can write this as \frac{1}{2}h^{-\frac{1}{2}}\,dh and use the power rule. Once you have it integrated, you can correctly use the point h(0) = 25 to solve for C. Use the second point h(50) = 24 to solve for k.
 
Last edited:
would the correct integration of dh/2√h just be √h then?
 
azzarule said:
would the correct integration of dh/2√h just be √h then?

Yes. :)
 

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