Force Exerted By a liquid integration problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total force exerted at the bottom of a rectangular swimming pool with varying depth. The pool measures 20 feet wide and 40 feet long, with water depth ranging from 3 feet to 9 feet. The force exerted by the liquid is determined using the formula F = ∫_c^d p(k-y)[f(y)-g(y)]dy. The correct approach involves recognizing the cross-section of the pool as a trapezoid, leading to the conclusion that the total force is the volume of the pool multiplied by the density of water, rather than relying solely on integration.

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Homework Statement


A rectangular swimming pool is 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. The depth of the water varie uniformly from 3 feet at one end to 9 feet at the other end. Find the total force exerted at the bottom of the pool.

Homework Equations



The force F exerted by a liquid of constant density "p", where the functions f and g are continuous on [c,d], is
\begin{equation}
F=\int_c^d \, p(k-y)[f(y)-g(y)]dy
\end{equation}
The equation of the line making up the bottom of the pool is
\begin{equation}
\frac{-3}{10}x+6=y
\end{equation}

The Attempt at a Solution


The depth of any rectangle below the surface would be (9-y), I reasoned.
I tried to do the integration
\begin{equation}
\begin{split}
F&=62.5\int_0^6 (9-y)(\frac{10(y-6)}{-3})dy\\
&=26250\\
\end{split}
\end{equation}
The book says this answer is wrong, as I suspected. I can't seem to find a way to think of it. Ways I've tried:
Finding the volume of water above the wedge caused by the incline + the wedge volume * 62.5
 
Last edited:
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You don't really need calculus for this problem. The total force is just the volume of the pool times the density of water. Notice that a cross section of the pool is a trapezoid.
 

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