Math Problem Statement
Sand is poured at a constant rate onto a flat horizontal surface. It forms a pile in the shape of a cone with a constant slope.
[3 marks] If r is the radius of the base of the cone, find how r varies with t, given that r (0) = 0.
[2 marks] If it takes a time t1 for r to reach r1, how long does it take for the radius to reach 2r1 (in terms of r1)?
Solution
Part 1: Relationship between and
Given that sand is being poured at a constant rate onto a flat surface and forms a pile in the shape of a cone, we are to find how the radius of the base of the cone varies with time , given that .
Let:
- be the radius of the cone's base at time .
- be the height of the cone.
- be the volume of the cone.
The volume of a cone is given by the formula: We are told that the slope of the cone is constant, which implies that the ratio of the height to the radius remains constant. Therefore, we can express in terms of : where is a constant representing the fixed ratio of height to radius (since the slope is constant).
Substituting into the volume formula, we get: Thus, the volume of the cone is proportional to : where is a constant.
Since sand is being poured at a constant rate, the rate of change of the volume is constant. Let , where is the constant rate of change of the volume: But from the volume expression , we also have: Equating the two expressions for : Solving for :
To find , we can separate the variables and integrate: Integrating both sides: Since , the constant of integration is zero. Thus, we have: Simplifying: Therefore, the radius varies with time as:
Part 2: Time to Reach Radius
Let be the time it takes for the radius to reach . From the expression for , we have: Now, we want to find the time it takes for the radius to reach . Using the same formula for , we have: Taking the ratio of these two equations: Simplifying: Cubing both sides: Thus, the time is:
Final Answer:
- The radius varies with time as .
- If it takes a time for the radius to reach , it will take a time for the radius to reach .
Do you want any details or have further questions?
Here are 5 relative questions to expand on the problem:
- How does the height of the cone change with time if the slope is constant?
- What would happen if the slope of the cone were allowed to vary with time?
- Can you derive the volume flow rate based on experimental data?
- What if the sand were poured at a non-constant rate? How would the equations change?
- How would you modify this model for different cone shapes or materials?
Tip: When integrating, always check the initial conditions to solve for any constants of integration.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Geometry
Formulas
Volume of a cone: V = (1/3)πr²h
Constant slope: h = kr
Volume proportionality: V = C r³
Rate of change of volume: dV/dt = Q
Radius variation: r(t) = (Qt/C)^(1/3)
Theorems
Fundamental theorem of calculus
Chain rule in differentiation
Suitable Grade Level
Undergraduate Calculus
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