Q24 / 91 · KVPY 2020 (SB/SX) · Chemistry

A two dimensional solid is made by alternating circles with radius a and b such that the sides of the circles touch. The packing fraction is defined as the ratio of the area under the circles to the area under the rectangle with sides of length x and y.

Figure

The ratio r=b/a for which the packing fraction is minimized is closest to:

  • Correct answer
    A
    0.41
  • B
    1.0
  • C
    0.50
  • D
    0.32

Solution

Figure

Area of rectangle=xy

=2a(2a+2b)

=4a(a+b)

Area covered by circles=πa2+πb2=πa2+b2

Packing fraction (P.F.)=πa2+b24a2+ab

=πa21+b2a24a21+ba

Putting r=ba

P.F.=π1+r24(1+r)

For minimum P.F., d(P.F.)dr=0

or π42r(1+r)-1+r2(1+r)2=0

⇒r2+2r-1=0

or r=-2+4+42=2-1=0.414

Answer is option (A)

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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