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 rr and tt

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 rr of the base of the cone varies with time tt, given that r(0)=0r(0) = 0.

Let:

  • rr be the radius of the cone's base at time tt.
  • hh be the height of the cone.
  • VV be the volume of the cone.

The volume VV of a cone is given by the formula: V=13πr2hV = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 h We are told that the slope of the cone is constant, which implies that the ratio of the height hh to the radius rr remains constant. Therefore, we can express hh in terms of rr: h=krh = kr where kk is a constant representing the fixed ratio of height to radius (since the slope is constant).

Substituting h=krh = kr into the volume formula, we get: V=13πr2(kr)=13πkr3V = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 (kr) = \frac{1}{3} \pi k r^3 Thus, the volume of the cone is proportional to r3r^3: V=Cr3V = C r^3 where C=13πkC = \frac{1}{3} \pi k is a constant.

Since sand is being poured at a constant rate, the rate of change of the volume dVdt\frac{dV}{dt} is constant. Let dVdt=Q\frac{dV}{dt} = Q, where QQ is the constant rate of change of the volume: dVdt=Q\frac{dV}{dt} = Q But from the volume expression V=Cr3V = C r^3, we also have: dVdt=3Cr2drdt\frac{dV}{dt} = 3 C r^2 \frac{dr}{dt} Equating the two expressions for dVdt\frac{dV}{dt}: 3Cr2drdt=Q3 C r^2 \frac{dr}{dt} = Q Solving for drdt\frac{dr}{dt}: drdt=Q3Cr2\frac{dr}{dt} = \frac{Q}{3 C r^2}

To find r(t)r(t), we can separate the variables and integrate: r2dr=Q3Cdtr^2 dr = \frac{Q}{3C} dt Integrating both sides: r2dr=Q3Cdt\int r^2 dr = \int \frac{Q}{3C} dt r33=Qt3C+constant\frac{r^3}{3} = \frac{Qt}{3C} + \text{constant} Since r(0)=0r(0) = 0, the constant of integration is zero. Thus, we have: r33=Qt3C\frac{r^3}{3} = \frac{Qt}{3C} Simplifying: r3=QtCr^3 = \frac{Qt}{C} Therefore, the radius rr varies with time tt as: r(t)=(QtC)13r(t) = \left(\frac{Qt}{C}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}}

Part 2: Time to Reach Radius 2r12r_1

Let t1t_1 be the time it takes for the radius to reach r1r_1. From the expression for r(t)r(t), we have: r1=(Qt1C)13r_1 = \left(\frac{Qt_1}{C}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}} Now, we want to find the time t2t_2 it takes for the radius to reach 2r12r_1. Using the same formula for r(t)r(t), we have: 2r1=(Qt2C)132r_1 = \left(\frac{Qt_2}{C}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}} Taking the ratio of these two equations: 2r1r1=(t2t1)13\frac{2r_1}{r_1} = \left(\frac{t_2}{t_1}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}} Simplifying: 2=(t2t1)132 = \left(\frac{t_2}{t_1}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}} Cubing both sides: 8=t2t18 = \frac{t_2}{t_1} Thus, the time t2t_2 is: t2=8t1t_2 = 8 t_1

Final Answer:

  • The radius rr varies with time as r(t)=(QtC)13r(t) = \left(\frac{Qt}{C}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}}.
  • If it takes a time t1t_1 for the radius to reach r1r_1, it will take a time 8t18 t_1 for the radius to reach 2r12r_1.

Do you want any details or have further questions?

Here are 5 relative questions to expand on the problem:

  1. How does the height of the cone change with time if the slope is constant?
  2. What would happen if the slope of the cone were allowed to vary with time?
  3. Can you derive the volume flow rate QQ based on experimental data?
  4. What if the sand were poured at a non-constant rate? How would the equations change?
  5. 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