CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Applications of Derivatives Q #1776
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
3 Marks 2026 AISSCE(Board Exam) SA
A spherical balloon loses its volume due to escape of air from it in such a way that decrease of volume at any instant is proportional to its surface area. Show that the radius is decreasing at a constant rate.

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Define the variables and given conditions

Let $V$ be the volume and $S$ be the surface area of the spherical balloon with radius $r$. We know that: $$V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$$ $$S = 4\pi r^2$$ The problem states that the rate of decrease of volume is proportional to the surface area. Let $k$ be a positive constant of proportionality: $$-\frac{dV}{dt} = kS$$

Step 2: Differentiate volume with respect to time

Differentiating $V$ with respect to $t$ using the chain rule: $$\frac{dV}{dt} = \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3\right) = 4\pi r^2 \frac{dr}{dt}$$

Step 3: Substitute and solve for the rate of change of radius

Substitute the expression for $\frac{dV}{dt}$ into the given proportionality equation: $$-(4\pi r^2 \frac{dr}{dt}) = k(4\pi r^2)$$ Assuming $r \neq 0$, we can divide both sides by $4\pi r^2$: $$-\frac{dr}{dt} = k$$ $$\frac{dr}{dt} = -k$$

Step 4: Conclusion

Since $k$ is a constant, $\frac{dr}{dt}$ is a constant. The negative sign indicates that the radius is decreasing at a constant rate.

Final Answer: The rate of change of radius is -k, which is constant.

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because it requires the student to translate a verbal description of a physical process into a mathematical differential equation and solve it.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The student must follow a specific sequence of calculus operations (differentiation, substitution, and simplification) to reach the proof.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of CBSE Class 12, this is classified as COMPETENCY. This question tests the application of 'Application of Derivatives' (Rate of Change) which is a core competency in the NCERT curriculum.