Volume of balloon - Derivative Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the volume of a spherical balloon as a function of time, described by the formula for volume V = 4/3πr³ and a differential equation for the rate of change of volume dV/dt = 1000/(2t+1)². Participants are exploring how to relate the volume to the radius and time, as well as solving the differential equation to find expressions for the radius and its rate of change.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between volume and radius, with attempts to derive dr/dt from dV/dt. There are questions about the methods for solving differential equations, including integration and differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to integrate the given differential equation to find V(t) and subsequently relate it to the radius. There is a recognition of the need to express the radius as a function of time, and some guidance is offered regarding the relationship between volume and radius. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach to the final calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the methods for solving differential equations and the implications of the results they obtain. There is also mention of discrepancies between calculated values and expected answers from an answer book.

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Homework Statement


The volume of a spherical balloon of radius 'r' is Vcm^3, where V =4/3pir^3
The volume of the balloon increases with time 't' seconds according to the formula

dV/dt = 1000/(2t+1)^2, t>0

i) Find an expression in terms of 'r' and 't' for dr/dt
ii) Given that V = 0 and t = 0, solve the differential equation

dV/dt = 1000/(2t+1)^2, to obtain V in terms of t

iii) Find the radius of the balloon at time t =5

iv) Find the rate of increases of the radius of the balloon


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i) Well we know dV/dt = (dv/dr) x (dr/dt)
Which means that I found dr/dt to be - (250/ (pir^2(2t+1)^2))

For the rest of them, i have no clue what to do. :S

Thanks in advance
 
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What methods of solving differential equations are you familiar with?
 
voko said:
What methods of solving differential equations are you familiar with?

I'm not exactly sure what you mean? :S

Usually I just differentiate lol :S
 
So you do not understand what a "differential equation" is?
 
I do, but I'm not sure what kind of "methods" you are referring to
 
Do you know how to solve diff. eq.'s in any way?
 
Yeah, I know how to solve differential equations. As in product rule etc? And using the 2nd/3rd derivative? :S
 
So why can't you solve the differential equation in ii)?
 
I'm not sure what to do?

Am i just meant to differentiate it?

I thought you would have to integrate it so you would get the original equation?

I got V = 1000t/(2t+1)^2 + C

Is that it? :S
 
  • #10
You are given ## \frac {dV} {dt} ##. You need to find ## V(t) ##. Your answer to this is wrong, which you can easily check by differentiating your "solution".
 
  • #11
Oh ok,

So you integrate dv/dt to get V(t) which is -500/(2t+1)?
 
  • #12
Very well.
 
  • #13
How do i find the radius at t=5?

I know what dr/dt is but i can't integrate it because it has two variables :S
 
  • #14
Now that you have integrated the equation, you have volume as a function of time. Volume is directly related to the radius. Eh?
 
  • #15
By methods, voko meant if you can use integrating factor, Laplace transform, etc, I believe.

As for the dr/dt, have you tried separating the variables so you have the 'r' on one side and 't' on the other?
 
Last edited:
  • #16
OH, so because we now have V = -500/(2t+1)

We can let V = 4/3pir^3 and let t=5!

Ahaha, thanks for being so patient with me Voko! i truly appreciate it! :D

Ugh, So i got the radius as 2.21 from plugging the above in.

iv)
However when I sub this radius and time into dr/dt = (250/ (pir^2(2t+1)^2))
I'm not getting the right answer
:'(

What am i doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
  • #17
I hope you enjoyed your "aha!" moment :)
 
  • #18
Went from happiness to sadness within seconds. This world is too cruel.
 
  • #19
This is a physical forum, not philosophical. So you have to render your sadness in a way we can deal with - if we are supposed to.
 
  • #20
Lol, maybe you could help me with the last part? :( I did it but the answer book says I am wrong

So i got the radius as 2.21 from plugging V = 4/3pir^3 and t = 5 into V = -500/(2t+1)

iv)
However when I sub this radius and time into dr/dt = (250/ (pir^2(2t+1)^2))
I'm not getting the right answer
:'(

What am i doing wrong?
 
  • #21
iv) does not mention any time, so I suspect you have to find the function. Again, you know the volume as a function of time, so you should be able get the radius as a function of time, which I think you did in iii). If then you need to know its value at some particular time, just sub the time.
 

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