Answer
$\frac{dv}{dt} = -k V^{2/3}$, where $k$ is some constant.
Work Step by Step
A spherical raindrop evaporates at a rate proportional to its surface area. Write a differential equation expressing the volume as a function of time.
Solution:
Volume of sphere: $V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^{3}$.
Surface area of sphere: $A=4\pi r^{2}$
Radius as a function of volume: $r =(\frac{3}{4} \frac{1}{\pi} V)^{1/3}$
Thus, $\frac{dV}{dt}$~$-4\pi[(\frac{3}{4} \frac{1}{\pi} V)^{1/3}]^{2}$. (The minus sign indicates that the volume decreases with time; and, of course, $V$ and $r$ are functions of time.)
So, $\frac{dV}{dt}=k_{1}\cdot 3^{2/3}\cdot 4^{1/3}\cdot\pi^{1/3}V^{1/3}$, where $k_{1}$ is the constant of proportionality.
Thus, $\frac{dV}{dt} = -k V^{2/3}$, $k$ a constant.
