Find Pressure Exerted on Roof by Raindrops in Tropical Storm

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In summary, the question is asking to find the pressure exerted on a roof by a tropical rainstorm, assuming that the raindrops are hitting the roof at an average speed of 10m/s. To calculate the pressure, the equation P = F/A is used, where F is the force of the raindrop on the roof and A is the area of the roof. To find the force of the raindrop, the mass of the rainfall striking the roof needs to be derived, which can be calculated using the given amount of rain in 40mm and the speed of the raindrops.
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gaobo9109
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Homework Statement


In a tropical rainstorm, 40mm of rain fell in one hour. Assuming that the raindrops struck an adequately drained roof normally with an average speed of 10m/s, find the pressure exerted on the roof by the rain.


Homework Equations


(delta)p = F(delta)t


The Attempt at a Solution



(delta)p = 10 x mass of rainfall striking the roof = F(roof on raindrop) x (delta)t
F(roof on raindrop) = F(raindrop on roof)
Pressure = F(raindrop on roof) / Area of the roof

I have difficulty deriving the expression for mass of raindrop striking the roof. I also do not understand how is "44mm of rain" relevant to the question.
 
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  • #2
What you need the "40 mm of rain" for is to figure out how much rain falls in a given timespan.
From the 40mm (meaning 40 liters per square meter per hour) of rain, obtain the mass of the falling water (per second per square meter). Now, you know how much water falls (the mass), and you know how fast it is falling, so you can calculate the pressure from the equation
[tex]P = F/A = \frac{dp}{dt}/A = \frac{dm/dt}{A} v[/tex]
as you can see, you will have all the necessairy quantities.
 

1. How is the pressure exerted by raindrops calculated on a roof during a tropical storm?

The pressure exerted on a roof by raindrops during a tropical storm is calculated by using the equation P = F/A, where P is the pressure, F is the force exerted by the raindrops, and A is the area of the roof. The force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of a raindrop by its acceleration due to gravity, and the area can be determined by measuring the surface area of the roof.

2. Is the pressure exerted by raindrops constant or does it vary during a tropical storm?

The pressure exerted by raindrops on a roof during a tropical storm can vary, as it depends on factors such as the size and speed of the raindrops, as well as the surface area of the roof. In general, the pressure will increase as the size and speed of the raindrops increase, and as the surface area of the roof decreases.

3. What is the typical range of pressure exerted by raindrops on a roof during a tropical storm?

The pressure exerted by raindrops on a roof during a tropical storm can vary greatly, but typically ranges from 10 to 50 pounds per square foot. However, in extreme cases, such as a severe hurricane, the pressure can exceed 100 pounds per square foot.

4. How does the angle of the roof affect the pressure exerted by raindrops during a tropical storm?

The angle of the roof can have a significant impact on the pressure exerted by raindrops during a tropical storm. A flat roof will experience higher pressures than a sloped roof, as the raindrops will hit the surface more directly. Additionally, a steeper slope can help to reduce the pressure by allowing the rain to run off the roof more easily.

5. Are there any ways to reduce the pressure exerted by raindrops on a roof during a tropical storm?

There are several ways to reduce the pressure exerted by raindrops on a roof during a tropical storm. One option is to install a sloped or angled roof, as this can help to decrease the direct impact of the raindrops. Another option is to reinforce the roof with stronger materials, such as metal or concrete, which can better withstand the force of the raindrops. Additionally, regularly maintaining and repairing any weak or damaged areas of the roof can help to prevent excessive pressure during a tropical storm.

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