Math Problem Statement
A conical container, oriented such that its vertex is at the bottom, has radius 10 ft and height 40 ft. It is filled to a height of 35 ft of a liquid weighing 50.6 lb divided by ft cubed. How much work will it take to pump the contents to the rim? How much work will it take to pump the liquid to a level of 5 ft above the cone's rim?
Solution
We are tasked with calculating the work required to pump liquid from a conical container, both to the rim and to a level 5 feet above the rim. The key is to apply principles of fluid mechanics and calculus. The work is given by:
where is the force required to move an elemental volume of liquid from height to the desired height, and the limits and will be determined based on the height of the liquid in the container.
Step 1: Set up variables and geometry of the cone
The cone has:
- Radius ,
- Height ,
- Liquid filled up to ,
- Density .
To calculate the force, we need to express the volume of a thin slice of liquid at height inside the cone.
At any height , the radius is proportional to the height by the relationship:
Step 2: Volume of a thin slice of liquid
A thin horizontal slice of liquid at height has a volume given by the differential volume of a cylinder:
Step 3: Weight of a thin slice of liquid
The weight of this slice is:
Step 4: Work to pump to the rim
The work to pump a slice from height to the rim (40 ft) is given by:
Thus, the total work required to pump all the liquid to the rim is:
Step 5: Work to pump 5 feet above the rim
To pump the liquid 5 feet above the rim, the distance to pump a slice at height becomes . Therefore, the work to pump to 5 ft above the rim is:
The total work required to pump all the liquid 5 feet above the rim is:
Step 6: Solving the integrals
Let me calculate these integrals for the total work in both cases.The total work required to:
-
Pump the liquid to the rim is approximately:
-
Pump the liquid 5 feet above the rim is approximately:
These are the amounts of work in foot-pounds needed to pump the liquid to the respective levels.
Would you like more details on any part of this solution?
Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:
- How does the shape of the container affect the work calculation?
- What happens to the work if the liquid's density changes?
- How would the work change if the cone were filled to a different height?
- Can this method be applied to containers of other shapes (e.g., cylindrical)?
- How does the gravitational constant factor into work calculations in other units?
Tip: Always ensure units are consistent throughout the calculations to avoid errors.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Integration
Work in Physics
Fluid Mechanics
Formulas
W = ∫ F(y) dy
F(y) = weight × distance
Volume of a thin slice dV = π (r(y))^2 dy
Work for a slice dW = ρ dV (distance)
Theorems
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Principle of Work and Energy in Physics
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12 or College Level