Solving for Area: An Oil Slick of Radius 3.0 km

So I think the formula you want is A=\pi r^2.In summary, the formula for the relation between the area of the oil slick and its radius is A = (pi)r^2. There is no mention of rates of change in the given problem.
  • #1
Nitrate
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Homework Statement


1. An oil tanker springs a leak creating a circular oil slick that grows until its radius is 3.0 km.

a.) What is the formula describing the relation between the area of the slick and its radius?


Homework Equations


Area of a circle: (pi)r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


Is the equation for a) y = (pi)r^2,
or is it the derivative: y = 2(pi)r?
 
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  • #2
Nitrate said:
a.) What is the formula describing the relation between the area of the slick and its radius?
I think you mean the difference between the RATE OF CHANGE of the area of the slick and that of the radius , please make it clear .
 
  • #3
The formula you give [itex]A= \pi r^2[/itex] relates the area of a circle to its radius. There is nothing said in your problem, at least the part you posted, about rates of change.
 

Related to Solving for Area: An Oil Slick of Radius 3.0 km

1. How do you calculate the area of an oil slick?

To calculate the area of an oil slick, we use the formula A = πr^2, where A is the area and r is the radius of the slick. In this case, the radius is given as 3.0 km, so we can plug it into the formula to find the area.

2. Why is it important to know the area of an oil slick?

Knowing the area of an oil slick is important for determining the extent of the pollution and the potential impact on the environment. It can also help in planning and executing cleanup efforts.

3. Can the area of an oil slick change over time?

Yes, the area of an oil slick can change over time as the slick spreads out or breaks up due to weather and ocean currents. It is important to continually monitor and measure the area to accurately assess the situation.

4. How accurate is the calculation of the area of an oil slick?

The accuracy of the calculation depends on the accuracy of the given radius and the assumption that the slick is a perfect circle. In reality, the shape of the slick may be irregular, so the calculated area may be slightly different from the actual area.

5. What other factors should be considered when solving for the area of an oil slick?

Aside from the radius, other factors that should be considered when solving for the area of an oil slick include the thickness of the slick, the density of the oil, and the type of oil spilled. These factors can affect the spread and impact of the slick on the environment.

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