Deriving Equation for Water Depth After Tank Hole Poked

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a cylindrical tank of water with a hole in the bottom. The goal is to derive an equation for the depth of water in the tank as a function of time. The equations used include the pressure and volume equations, as well as the continuity and Bernoulli's equations from fluid mechanics.
  • #1
gboff21
50
0

Homework Statement


A vertical cylindrical tank of cross-sectional area A_1 is open to the air at the top and contains water to a depth h_0. A worker accidentally pokes a hole of area A_2 in the bottom of the tank.
Derive an equation for the depth of the water as a function of time t after the hole is poked. Use A_1,A_2 h_0 and appropriate constants


Homework Equations


P=h_0[tex]\rho[/tex]g
V=h_0A_1


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to go after deriving the above equations.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Can you derive a formula for the volume of water that flows through the hole per unit of time based on the pressure?
 
  • #3
Could you use P=FA and Ft=impulse?
 
  • #4
This is a fluid mechanics questions. i believe you need the continuity equation and bernoulli's equation to solve it.

Continuity Equation: A1*V1= A2*V2

Bernoulli's Equation: P_1+h_1pg+(1/2)pv_1^2 = P_2+h_2pg+(1/2)pv_2^2
Capital P= pressure
Small p = rho (density)
 
  • #5


I would first start by defining the variables and constants involved in this problem. A_1 and A_2 represent the cross-sectional areas of the tank and the hole, respectively. h_0 is the initial depth of the water in the tank. \rho represents the density of water and g represents the acceleration due to gravity.

Next, I would use the principle of conservation of mass to derive an equation for the volume of water leaving the tank through the hole over time t. This can be expressed as:

V_{out} = A_2\sqrt{2gh}

Where V_out is the volume of water leaving the tank, A_2 is the area of the hole, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the depth of water in the tank at any given time t.

We can also express the volume of water remaining in the tank at time t as:

V_{remaining} = A_1h

Combining these two equations and using the fact that the total volume of water in the tank remains constant, we can derive an equation for the depth of water in the tank at any given time t:

h(t) = \frac{A_1h_0}{A_1 + A_2\sqrt{2gh_0t}}

This equation shows that as time goes on, the depth of water in the tank will decrease as water flows out through the hole. It also takes into account the initial depth of water h_0, the areas of the tank and hole, and the acceleration due to gravity.

In conclusion, the equation for the depth of water in the tank after a hole is poked can be derived using principles of conservation of mass and appropriate physical constants. This equation can be used to predict the rate at which the water level will decrease over time, and can be useful for understanding and managing the situation described in the problem.
 

FAQ: Deriving Equation for Water Depth After Tank Hole Poked

What is the purpose of deriving an equation for water depth after a tank hole is poked?

The purpose of deriving an equation for water depth after a tank hole is poked is to understand and predict the behavior of water flow in a tank with a hole. This can be useful in various situations, such as designing water storage tanks, predicting the rate of water loss in a tank, and understanding the impact of a hole on the overall water system.

What are the key factors that affect the water depth after a tank hole is poked?

The key factors that affect the water depth after a tank hole is poked include the size of the hole, the initial water level in the tank, the shape and size of the tank, and the properties of the water, such as density and viscosity. These factors can all impact the rate of water flow and the final water depth in the tank.

How is the equation for water depth after a tank hole is poked derived?

The equation for water depth after a tank hole is poked is derived using principles of fluid mechanics, specifically Bernoulli's equation and the continuity equation. These equations describe the conservation of energy and mass in a fluid flow system and can be used to determine the final water depth in a tank after a hole is poked.

Does the shape of the tank affect the equation for water depth?

Yes, the shape of the tank can affect the equation for water depth after a tank hole is poked. The shape of the tank can impact the distribution of pressure within the tank and therefore affect the rate of water flow and the final water depth. In general, a cylindrical tank will have a different equation for water depth compared to a rectangular tank due to differences in the shape and distribution of pressure.

What are some limitations of the equation for water depth after a tank hole is poked?

Some limitations of the equation for water depth after a tank hole is poked include assuming ideal conditions, such as a perfectly circular hole and a constant flow rate. In reality, factors such as turbulence, irregular hole shapes, and changing flow rates can affect the accuracy of the equation. Additionally, the equation may not account for external factors that could impact the water flow, such as wind or external pressure on the tank.

Similar threads

Back
Top