Differential equations - mixing problem (more complicated)

In summary: thank you for pointing it out. in summary, the concentration of pollutants in the tank at the moment it overflows is 48%.
  • #1
braindead101
162
0
A 500 gallon tank originally contains 100 gallons of fresh water. Beginning at time t=0, water containing 50 percent pollutants flows into the tank at the rate of 2 gal/min and the well stirred solution leaves at the rate of 1 gal/min. Find the concentration of pollutants in the tank at the moment it overflows.

The answer is 48%


my attempt, something is wrong as i did not get that answer or anywhere near it.

rate in: 2 x 0.50
rate out: 1 x s(t)/(100+t)

s'(t) = 1- s(t)/(100+t)
s'(t) + s(t)/(100+t) = 1

a(t) = 1/(100+t) , b(t) = 1

using u(t) = exp(integ(a(t)dt)):
u(t) = exp(integ(a(t)dt))
u(t) = exp (ln (100+t))
u(t) = 100+t

using d/dt u(t)s(t) = u(t)b(t):
d/dt [(100+t)s(t)]= (100+t)(1)
(100+t)s(t)=integ(100+t)
(100+t)s(t) = 100t + 1/2t^2 + C
s(t) = [100t + 1/2t^2 +C ]/(100+t)

sub s(0) = 0 into s(t) [is this even correct?]
0 = [0+0+c]/[100+0]
c= 0
s(t) = [100t + 1/2t^2]/(100+t)

c(t) = s(t)/100
c(t) = [100t + 1/2t^2]/100(100+t)

then i found when the tank overflow:
500 = 100+t
t= 400
then found c(t)

c(400) = [100(400)+1/2(400)^2]/100(100+400)
c(400) = 2.4

which is wrong.

can anyone help me?
 
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  • #2
braindead101 said:
A 500 gallon tank originally contains 100 gallons of fresh water. Beginning at time t=0, water containing 50 percent pollutants flows into the tank at the rate of 2 gal/min and the well stirred solution leaves at the rate of 1 gal/min. Find the concentration of pollutants in the tank at the moment it overflows.

The answer is 48%


my attempt, something is wrong as i did not get that answer or anywhere near it.

rate in: 2 x 0.50
rate out: 1 x s(t)/(100+t)

s'(t) = 1- s(t)/(100+t)
s'(t) + s(t)/(100+t) = 1

a(t) = 1/(100+t) , b(t) = 1

using u(t) = exp(integ(a(t)dt)):
u(t) = exp(integ(a(t)dt))
u(t) = exp (ln (100+t))
u(t) = 100+t

Okay, good so far.

using d/dt u(t)s(t) = u(t)b(t):
d/dt [(100+t)s(t)]= (100+t)(1)
(100+t)s(t)=integ(100+t)
(100+t)s(t) = 100t + 1/2t^2 + C
s(t) = [100t + 1/2t^2 +C ]/(100+t)

sub s(0) = 0 into s(t) [is this even correct?]
0 = [0+0+c]/[100+0]
c= 0
Yes, that's correct- initially the tank contained "100 gallons of fresh water"

s(t) = [100t + 1/2t^2]/(100+t)

c(t) = s(t)/100

Here's your error! The tank will contain 500 gallons when it overflows, not 100. The concentration is s/500, not s/100.

c(t) = [100t + 1/2t^2]/100(100+t)

then i found when the tank overflow:
500 = 100+t
t= 400
then found c(t)

c(400) = [100(400)+1/2(400)^2]/100(100+400)
c(400) = 2.4

which is wrong.

can anyone help me?
Obviously, a concentration can't be larger than 1! Again, your error is in dividing by 100 gallons, the initial amount of water in the tank, when, at the time of overflow, there are 500 gallons of water in the tank. Divide your answer by 5.
 
  • #3
thanks very much
that was a stupid mistake on my part!
 

1. What is a mixing problem in differential equations?

A mixing problem in differential equations refers to a mathematical model that describes the process of mixing two or more substances together. It involves solving a differential equation to determine the rate of change of the concentration of each substance over time.

2. How is a mixing problem different from other differential equations?

A mixing problem is different from other types of differential equations because it involves multiple variables and initial conditions, as well as a constant rate of change. It also requires the use of the concept of concentration, which is not present in most other differential equations.

3. What are some real-world applications of mixing problems in differential equations?

Mixing problems are commonly used in various fields such as chemistry, biology, environmental science, and engineering. Some examples include studying the spread of pollutants in a river, analyzing the concentration of drugs in the body, and designing efficient mixing processes in industrial settings.

4. How do you solve a mixing problem in differential equations?

To solve a mixing problem, you first need to set up a differential equation that represents the rate of change of each substance's concentration over time. Then, you can use various techniques such as separation of variables, substitution, or integrating factors to solve the equation and determine the concentrations at different points in time.

5. Are there any limitations to using differential equations for mixing problems?

While differential equations can accurately model many mixing problems, they do have some limitations. For example, they assume that the mixing process is continuous and does not take into account factors such as temperature, pressure, and reaction rates. In some cases, more complex models or experimental data may be needed to accurately predict the behavior of a mixing system.

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