A cylindrical tank with a radius of 3 meters is filled with water to a height of 5 meters. If the radius is increased by 50% without changing the height, what is the new volume of water the tank can hold?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:08:39 +0000

**What Happens When You Expand a Water Tank’s Base?**
If you imagine a cylindrical tank with a radius of 3 meters submerged in water up to 5 meters deep, it holds a specific volume. What happens when its radius grows by 50%—still with the same height? This question isn’t just for engineers—it reflects growing interest in efficient storage solutions across agriculture, urban planning, and industrial design. In the U.S., as space optimization and sustainable infrastructure gain attention, understanding how tank volume expands with radius changes reveals key insights into efficient water management and infrastructure planning. Amazon’s cylindrical grain silos and water storage systems illustrate this principle. In cities and rural landscapes alike, maximizing capacity within space limits shapes how communities store and distribute water. When radius increases by 50%—from 3 meters to 4.5 meters—volume expands significantly, offering practical benefits without raising tank height. This shift influences storage economics, system design, and environmental impact, making it a relevant topic for planners, policymakers, and environmentally conscious builders. ### How Volume Isn’t Just a Number
The volume of a cylinder is calculated by the formula: V = πr²h. With a 3-meter radius, the original volume reaches approximately 141.37 cubic meters (using π ≈ 3.1416). Doubling the area at the base—by expanding the radius to 4.5 meters—more than triples capacity. Multiplied by the constant height of 5 meters, the new volume exceeds 212.06 cubic meters. This dramatic jump in capacity emerges naturally from geometric principles, showing why subtle design changes can deliver substantial gains. For professionals in water infrastructure, this calculation supports smarter planning. In regions facing water scarcity or high demand, maximizing storage within existing footprints reduces environmental strain and infrastructure costs. The shift from 3m to 4.5m radius becomes a strategic choice—balancing height, space, and capacity—lightly discussed but increasingly critical in sustainable development.