A research scientist is monitoring the internal pressure PPP (in kPa) of a sealed bioreactor during a temperature-controlled experiment. The time ttt, in hours, is measured from the start of the experiment. The scientist models the rate of change of pressure as being directly proportional to 15−tP\displaystyle \frac{15 - t}{P}P15−t.
After 5 hours, the pressure is 250 kPa and the rate of increase of pressure is 20 kPa per hour.
Show that PdPdt=500(15−t)\displaystyle P \frac{\text{d}P}{\text{d}t} = 500(15 - t)PdtdP=500(15−t).
Hence, show that P2=500t(30−t)P^2 = 500t(30 - t)P2=500t(30−t).
The experiment began at 06.00. (i) The researcher stops monitoring the bioreactor when the rate of pressure change drops below 10 kPa per hour. Using the results in parts (a) and (b), determine the earliest time that the researcher stops monitoring. (ii) Explain why the model used by the scientist is not valid at 06.00.
Practise Edexcel A Level Maths 11.11 Modelling with Differential Equations with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 51 questions, matched to the Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
