Find an expression for the net force of water on a dam

[Dusty912]

Homework Statement

Find the net force of water on the dam The dam has a width of w and the water is at a depth of d. So my question is, would you have to integrate ρgwd with respect to d? because the pressure is constantly changing every value of d.

Homework Equations

ρgwd
ρ is the density of water
g is 9.81 meters per second
w is width
and d is the depth of the water

The Attempt at a Solution

I would think that integrating with respect to d would yield ρghd²*(1/2)[/B]

 

[gneill]

The dam has a width of w and the water is at a depth of d. So my question is, would you have to integrate ρgwd with respect to d? because the pressure is constantly changing every value of d.

Sounds reasonable. Try it and show your attempt.

 

[gneill]

I see that you've edited in your attempt. Good.

I would think that integrating with respect to d would yield ρghd²*(1/2)

Where did the h come from? And what happened to the width?

 

[Dusty912]

sorry that h is supposed to be a w, and its a simple integration so I think I got it

 

[gneill]

sorry that h is supposed to be a w, and its a simple integration so I think I got it

Okay! And yes, you got it

 

[Dusty912]

thanks for the help! nailed the test