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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from Kenneth: Hello: If two water pipes are 3 feet long, but one of them has a 1 foot diameter and the second has a 1 1/2 foot diameter, what simple mathematical method can be used to determine how much faster one pipe can drain water than the other pipe? I assume that the pipe with the 1 1/2 diameter can drain faster. I am interested in how how much faster. (I know about the volume formula, but I am looking for something using proportions if possible.) I thank you for your reply and answer. |
Hi Kenneth.
The flow rate (assuming a constant pressure between the two situations) is proportional to the cross-sectional area. Since area is related to the diameter of the pipes, the proportion is the square of these.
i.e.: 1.52 : 12. The larger pipe should be 2.25 times as fast as the small pipe.
Hope this helps,
Stephen.
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