Trying to calculate the radius of a bubble as it rises....

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to calculate the radius of a bubble at a specific depth in a liquid, using given values for pressure and surface tension. The problem involves understanding the relationship between the pressures inside and outside the bubble and how they affect the bubble's radius.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster discusses using a two-variable equation to relate the pressures and volumes of the bubble at different depths. They express confusion over obtaining a negative radius and question the validity of their calculations and equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants engage with the original poster's reasoning and calculations, while the poster later identifies a mistake in data entry that affected their results. The discussion reflects a process of troubleshooting and clarifying assumptions without reaching a final consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster clarifies that this inquiry is not for homework, which may influence the nature of the discussion and the expectations for guidance.

lucas jonasch
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I am trying to predict the radius of a bubble at 0.4 m deep in a liquid.
I know:
the surface tension of the liquid (T) .002239 kg*m
the pressure outside the bubble at .5 meters depth (Po1) 394.5 kg/m^2
the pressure inside the bubble at .5 meters depth (PI1) 394.723314 kg/m^2
the radius of the bubble at .5 meters depth (R1) .001 m
the pressure outside the bubble at .4 meters depth (Po2) 315.6 kg/m^2
I do not know:
the pressure inside the bubble at .4 meters depth (PI2)
the radius of the bubble at .4 meters depth (R2)

What I tried to do was: a two-variable equation, using
PI1*(R1^3)=PI2*(R2^3) (p1v1=p2v2)
and
R2=2T/(PI2-Po2) (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/surten2.html)

I solved it and eventually got:
-Po2(R2^3)-2T(R2^2)+(PI1*(R1^3)=0

However, when I solved the equation I got a negative number, while I'd expect it to be a little bit bigger than a millimeter... I checked my math a few times and I'm pretty sure the equations I'm using make sense?? Does anyone know what's wrong??
 
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btw, this isn't homework but I assumed this was still a good place to put it
 
LOL! I just realized my mistake (and it was a really DUMB one.) I entered in the data into the online cubic equation calculator keeping scientific notation for 3.94*10^-7. The three values it gave me were: -0.4294762187154887, 0.2147310149344237 + i* 0.37193321976168103, and 0.2147310149344237 - i* 0.37193321976168103.

I then tried to enter it in without scientific notation ( 0.000000394) and it gave me the right values: 0.0010720530955198526, -0.0005431209710805853 + i* 0.0009324852984662585, and -0.0005431209710805853 - i* 0.0009324852984662585.

Thank you for your help and sorry for wasting your time!
 

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