What is the Pressure on the Circular Side of a Cylindrical Drum of Molasses?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the pressure exerted on the circular side of a cylindrical drum of molasses that is 25% full. The drum has a height of 4 ft and a radius of 1.5 ft, with a weight density of molasses at 100 lb/ft³. The pressure is determined using the formula: pressure = weight density x depth. The challenge lies in accurately determining the depth of the molasses to compute the pressure, as it varies across the circular side of the drum.

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Homework Statement


A cylindrical drum of molasses is 25% full and laying on its side. The dimension sof the drum are 4 ft. height and 1.5 ft. radius. Find the pressure on the circular side (end) of the drum) created by the molasses.

Weight density of molasses = 100 lb/ft^3


Homework Equations


pressure = weight density x depth


The Attempt at a Solution


Total volume of drum = 9pi ft^3
Volume of molasses = 2.25pi ft^3

Thank you!
 
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I wonder if the makers of this problem really want the pressure, or if they want the maximum pressure, or the force on the lid of the drum. The pressure is not constant.
To find the pressure you have to calculate weight density x depth. Finding the depth
will be the tricky part.
If you want to calculate the force, you have to integrate the pressure over the part of the side that's covered in molasses.
 

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