A cylindrical tank with a radius of 4 meters and a height of 10 meters is filled with water. If water is drained from the tank at a rate of 5 cubic meters per hour, how long will it take to empty the tank?

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:01:11 +0000

**Why the Conversation Around Tank Draining Matters — and What It Reveals**
In smart homes and municipal infrastructure alike, understanding water systems starts with foundational physics. A cylindrical tank with a radius of 4 meters and a height of 10 meters holds a significant volume when full. When water flows out at a steady rate of 5 cubic meters per hour, real-world timing matters—especially for maintenance planning, emergency preparedness, or agricultural irrigation. Recent discussions among homeowners, facility managers, and water resource planners indicate growing interest in raw tank capacity and discharge dynamics. This isn’t just curiosity—it’s a way to prepare for efficiency, cost control, and sustainability in water management. **Why This Tank Scenario Is Trending in the US**
Across the United States, aging water infrastructure continues to draw attention. Many municipalities manage large cylindrical storage tanks to supply clean water or support fire protection systems. When water is drained at 5 cubic meters per hour—about 0.2% of total volume per hour for a standard tank—planners gain insight into system behavior and maintenance cycles. Social media and home improvement forums now highlight this straightforward math, reflecting a curious, informed public eager to understand how common water systems function behind the scenes. **How Long Does It Take to Empty This Specific Tank?**
How long does it take to empty a cylindrical tank with a radius of 4 meters and a height of 10 meters when filled with water and drained at 5 cubic meters per hour? Start by calculating the tank’s total capacity. The volume of a cylinder follows the formula πr²h, which computes to approximately 502.65 cubic meters. At a steady drain rate of 5 cubic meters per hour, the full emptying time is roughly 100.53 hours—equivalent to about 4 days and 12 minutes. This clear, practical estimate helps demystify what many people assume would be a slow but predictable process. **Common Misconceptions and Realistic Considerations**
Some focus on speed over accuracy, imagining faster drain rates or shorter empties—but physics dictates steady flow based on pipe capacity, water level, and pressure. Others wonder if tank shape affects drainage, though for stable cylindrical tanks, volume and drain rate remain the main