Worked solution
Balance constant inflow against volume-dependent outflow
A tank initially contains . Water enters at and leaves at a rate proportional to the volume . When , the net rate is . Set up and solve a differential equation to show . marks
(i) Describe what happens to the volume eventually. mark
(ii) Sketch against . marks
[2013/MJC/I/7]
CJC · Review problems · Question 9
Answer
cubic metres for seconds; from below.
Calibrate the outflow coefficient from the net rate
. At and , , giving . Hence , with measured in seconds.
Separate and determine the signed constant
gives , so . With , , and therefore .
(i) Interpret the equilibrium
As , . The volume increases towards this limit; at the limit, the outflow balances the constant inflow .
(ii) Sketch on the physical time domain
For , the graph begins at , increases and is concave down, approaching the horizontal asymptote from below. Here and .
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Common mistakes
Keep the inflow minus outflow sign and the time unit in seconds.