Multivariable temperature variation while swimming in a hot spring

In summary: I have also checked the gradient vector with another online calculator and got the same results. For the second question, I used the formula for the magnitude of a vector in 2 dimensions, which is the square root of the sum of the squares of the vector components.
  • #1
Poetria
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Homework Statement
You are swimming along the surface of a large natural hot water spring. The temperature is hottest near the geothermal heat sources, and cools off inversely proportional to the distance from the heat source as you move away. The hot spring you have found has two heat sources. One is located below x=0, y =0, the other is located x=-10, y=20

Approximation of the temperature:

##T(x,y) = \frac {450} {\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}+\frac {420} {\sqrt{(x+10)^2+(y-20)^2+1}}##

You enter the pool at the edge x=20, y=20, where the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius.

What is the gradient of the temperature?
Relevant Equations
$$\nabla (\frac {450} {\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}+\frac {420} {\sqrt{x+10)^2+(y-20)^2+1}})$$
I have computed
##T_x## and ##T_y## and evaluated it at the point (20, 20).

## \frac {-450*x}{x^2 + y^2 + 1)^(\frac {3} {2}} - \frac {420*(x + 10)} {(x + 10)^2 + (y - 20)^2 + 1)^(\frac {3} {2}}, \frac {-450*y}{x^2 + y^2 + 1)^(\frac {3} {2}} - \frac {420*(y - 20)} {(x + 10)^2 + (y - 20)^2 + 1)^(\frac {3} {2}}##

I got [-0.8628, -0.3970]. But it is not correct.
So the answer to the next question: At what rate does the temperature rise per unit distance in that direction?
is not correct:

-2.1732 degrees per meter
 
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  • #2
Poetria said:
Homework Statement:: You are swimming along the surface of a large natural hot water spring. The temperature is hottest near the geothermal heat sources, and cools off inversely proportional to the distance from the heat source as you move away. The hot spring you have found has two heat sources. One is located below x=0, y =0, the other is located x=-10, y=20

Approximation of the temperature:

##T(x,y) = \frac {450} {\sqrt{x^2+y^2+1}}+\frac {420} {\sqrt{(x+10)^2+(y-20)^2+1}}##

You enter the pool at the edge x=20, y=20, where the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius.

What is the gradient of the temperature?

I don't think the formula for [itex]T[/itex] is correct. Was that given in the question, or did you have to derive it yourself?
 
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  • #3
pasmith said:
I don't think the formula for [itex]T[/itex] is correct. Was that given in the question, or did you have to derive it yourself?
This formula was given. I have checked it once more. What's wrong with this equation?
 
  • #4
I get the same formula for the gradient, but a different value at (20,20). I get (-0.3745, 0.749). Can you check that calculation? I am not completely confident in my calculations.
 
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  • #5
Of course. Still the same:
-0.862892919050474097014734857686704644880586505653053268225642320
-0.397002951313243437752836778926172651474292918967096802620165023

Perhaps there is a mistake in my formula you haven't noticed. Weird anyway.
 
  • #6
Poetria said:
Of course. Still the same:
-0.862892919050474097014734857686704644880586505653053268225642320
-0.397002951313243437752836778926172651474292918967096802620165023

Perhaps there is a mistake in my formula you haven't noticed. Weird anyway.
I rechecked my calculations and got the same answers you got. (I made reasonable assumptions about some missing parenthesis in the gradient in your post #1.)
 
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  • #7
FactChecker said:
I rechecked my calculations and got the same answers you got. (I made reasonable assumptions about some missing parenthesis in the gradient in your post #1.)
Thank you very much. :) I need more practice with Latex.

I can't understand why it's marked as wrong. :(
 
  • #8
Thank you very much.
I have decided to continue with the next part of this exercise and it turned out that the value -0.862892919050474097014734857686704644880586505653053268225642320
should be rounded -0.8629 while I have given -0.8628.

And of course the result: -2.1732 degrees per meter is not correct.
It's the gradient's length as the slope of a tangent plane: 0.9498.

Thanks once more for your patience. :)
 
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  • #9
Poetria said:
Thank you very much.
I have decided to continue with the next part of this exercise and it turned out that the value -0.862892919050474097014734857686704644880586505653053268225642320
should be rounded -0.8629 while I have given -0.8628.

And of course the result: -2.1732 degrees per meter is not correct.
It's the gradient's length as the slope of a tangent plane: 0.9498.

Thanks once more for your patience. :)
Yes. I think that your initial value had a little more precision than required. ;-)
 
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  • #10
Poetria said:
Thank you very much.
I have decided to continue with the next part of this exercise and it turned out that the value -0.862892919050474097014734857686704644880586505653053268225642320
should be rounded -0.8629 while I have given -0.8628.

And of course the result: -2.1732 degrees per meter is not correct.
It's the gradient's length as the slope of a tangent plane: 0.9498.

Thanks once more for your patience. :)
I'm curious about what tools you used to do your calculations to that precision.
 
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  • #11
I agree with the vector ##(-0.8628,-0.3970)## for gradient, I calculated it using wolfram.
However the answer to the second question is simply the magnitude of the gradient vector. I don't understand how you calculated -2.1732 degrees per met.
 
  • #12
FactChecker said:
I'm curious about what tools you used to do your calculations to that precision.
I have used Wolfram Alpha.
 
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FAQ: Multivariable temperature variation while swimming in a hot spring

1. How does the temperature vary in different areas of the hot spring?

The temperature can vary significantly in different areas of a hot spring due to factors such as depth, flow rate, and proximity to the heat source. In general, the temperature will be hottest near the source of the hot spring and gradually decrease as you move further away.

2. What factors can affect the temperature of a hot spring?

The temperature of a hot spring can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the geothermal activity in the area, the composition of the surrounding rocks and soil, and the flow rate of the water. Human activities such as building structures or altering the natural flow of the hot spring can also impact its temperature.

3. Can the temperature of a hot spring change over time?

Yes, the temperature of a hot spring can change over time due to natural fluctuations in the geothermal activity or human-induced changes. For example, if a new hot spring is discovered nearby, it may affect the temperature of the existing hot spring. Additionally, changes in weather patterns or natural disasters can also impact the temperature of a hot spring.

4. Is there a safe temperature range for swimming in a hot spring?

The safe temperature range for swimming in a hot spring can vary depending on the individual's health and tolerance for heat. However, it is generally recommended to avoid hot springs with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as these can pose a risk for burns or heat exhaustion.

5. How can the temperature of a hot spring be measured?

The temperature of a hot spring can be measured using a thermometer or a thermal imaging camera. Scientists may also use data loggers to continuously monitor the temperature over time. It is important to use appropriate equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and safe temperature measurements.

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