Solutions of Savchenko Problems in Physics

Aliaksandr Melnichenka
October 2023

Statement

$1.5.19.$ A spherical buoy of radius $R$ is attached to the bottom of the reservoir. The water level in the reservoir rises at a speed $u$. What is the speed of movement of the boundary of the flooded part of the buoy on its surface at the moment when the water level is $h$ above the center of the buoy?

For problem $1.5.19$

Solution

Changing the water level in the buoy

By time $t$ the water level will be $h$

In a short period of time $dt$ the water layer will rise by

$$ dh = u \, dt $$

In turn, the boundary of the flooded part will also rise by

$$ dh = v\, dt \cos \alpha $$

Let's equate both equations

$$ v \cos \alpha = u $$

$$ v = \frac{u}{\cos \alpha} $$

$$ \fbox{$v = u \frac{R}{\sqrt{R^2 - h^2}}$} $$

Answer

$$v = u \frac{R}{\sqrt{R^2 - h^2}}$$