Math Problem Statement
A trough is filled with a liquid of density 815 kg/m3. The ends of the trough are equilateral triangles with sides 6 m long and vertex at the bottom. Find the hydrostatic force (in N) on one end of the trough. (Use 9.8 m/s2 for the acceleration due to gravity.)
Solution
To determine the hydrostatic force on one end of the trough, we will follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand the Geometry
The end of the trough is an equilateral triangle with a side length of . The vertex is at the bottom.
-
The height of the equilateral triangle can be calculated using the formula: where is the side length.
Substituting :
Step 2: Pressure as a Function of Depth
The hydrostatic pressure at a depth is given by: where:
- (density of the liquid),
- (acceleration due to gravity),
- is the depth from the surface.
Step 3: Area Element of the Triangle
At depth , the width of the triangle is proportional to , since the triangle is equilateral. The proportionality can be determined from the geometry:
The area of a thin horizontal strip at depth is:
Step 4: Hydrostatic Force on the Strip
The force on the strip is:
Simplify:
Step 5: Integrate Over the Depth
The total force is obtained by integrating from (vertex of the triangle) to (top of the triangle):
Substitute the known values (, , ):
The integral of is:
Evaluate:
Now substitute back:
Simplify:
Final Answer:
The hydrostatic force on one end of the trough is:
Do you want further explanation or have questions?
Here are 5 related questions for deeper understanding:
- How does the shape of the submerged surface affect hydrostatic force calculations?
- What role does the density of the liquid play in determining hydrostatic pressure?
- How would the force change if the liquid had a density of 1000 kg/m³ (water)?
- What happens to the force if the trough is tilted, making the triangle no longer vertical?
- How can the hydrostatic force be experimentally measured?
Tip: Always ensure to use consistent units when calculating forces involving pressure and density!
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Hydrostatics
Geometry
Integration
Formulas
Pressure = ρgy
Area of triangle = (base × height)/2
Hydrostatic force = ∫(Pressure × Area Element)
Theorems
Principle of Hydrostatics
Geometric Proportionality
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
Related Recommendation
Calculating Hydrostatic Force on a Trapezoidal Trough Filled with Oil
Hydrostatic Force Calculation for an Isosceles Triangle Water Trough
Calculate Force and Work for Water in a Triangular Trough - Unit Conversions
Fluid Force on Submerged Triangular Plate Calculation with Integration
Fluid Force Calculation on a Submerged Isosceles Triangular Plate