ERIC Number: EJ1411099
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: EISSN-1464-5211
Available Date: N/A
Modelling Tank Drainage Using a Simple Apparatus
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v55 n2 p295-307 2024
A straightforward experimental set-up, requiring a two-liter bottle, a ruler and a stopwatch, is used to provide data appropriate for modelling with Torricelli's Law in the simplest case, and a more sophisticated differential equation when losses are taken into account and a pipe extension is considered. With only an exit hole included in the model, the governing equation can be integrated analytically to find the liquid height in the tank as a function of time. In the more complicated instance, the governing equation requires numerical integration. In both cases, a discharge coefficient can be employed as a fitting parameter. Excellent agreement between the experimental data and the theoretical modelling results has been obtained. An analytical solution with comparable accuracy to the numerical version is also possible for a pipe extension under the operating conditions considered here. Student reception of the experiment was generally positive, although some nuances were not fully grasped.
Descriptors: Science Experiments, Science Education, Scientific Principles, Equations (Mathematics), Science Laboratories, Educational Technology, Distance Education, STEM Education, Models, College Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A