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Worked solution

Balance constant inflow against volume-dependent outflow

A tank initially contains 2 m32\,\mathrm{m}^3. Water enters at 4 m3s−14\,\mathrm{m}^3\mathrm{s}^{-1} and leaves at a rate proportional to the volume VV. When V=6 m3V=6\,\mathrm{m}^3, the net rate is 1 m3s−11\,\mathrm{m}^3\mathrm{s}^{-1}. Set up and solve a differential equation to show V=8−6e−0.5tV=8-6e^{-0.5t}. marks

(i) Describe what happens to the volume eventually. mark

(ii) Sketch VV against tt. marks

[2013/MJC/I/7]

CJC · Review problems · Question 9

Answer

V=8−6e−0.5tV=8-6e^{-0.5t} cubic metres for t≥0t\ge0 seconds; V→8V\to8 from below.

Calibrate the outflow coefficient from the net rate

dV/dt=4−kVdV/dt=4-kV. At V=6V=6 and V′=1V^{\prime}=1, 1=4−6k1=4-6k, giving k=0.5 s−1k=0.5\,\mathrm{s}^{-1}. Hence V′=4−0.5VV^{\prime}=4-0.5V, with tt measured in seconds.

How did this part go?

Separate and determine the signed constant

∫dV/(4−0.5V)=∫dt\int dV/(4-0.5V)=\int dt gives −2ln⁡∣4−0.5V∣=t+C-2\ln|4-0.5V|=t+C, so 4−0.5V=Ae−0.5t4-0.5V=Ae^{-0.5t}. With V(0)=2V(0)=2, A=3A=3, and therefore V=8−6e−0.5tV=8-6e^{-0.5t}.

How did this part go?

(i) Interpret the equilibrium

As t→∞t\to\infty, V→8 m3V\to8\,\mathrm{m}^3. The volume increases towards this limit; at the limit, the outflow 0.5V0.5V balances the constant inflow 44.

How did this part go?

(ii) Sketch on the physical time domain

For t≥0t\ge0, the graph begins at (0,2)(0,2), increases and is concave down, approaching the horizontal asymptote V=8V=8 from below. Here V′=3e−0.5t>0V^{\prime}=3e^{-0.5t}>0 and V′′=−1.5e−0.5t<0V^{\prime\prime}=-1.5e^{-0.5t}<0.

How did this part go?

Compare your sketch

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Water volume V in cubic metres increases from (0,2), is concave down, and approaches V=8 from below as time t in seconds increases.
Water volume V in cubic metres increases from (0,2), is concave down, and approaches V=8 from below as time t in seconds increases.
Water volume V in cubic metres increases from (0,2), is concave down, and approaches V=8 from below as time t in seconds increases.

Common mistakes

Keep the inflow minus outflow sign and the time unit in seconds.

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