Differential Equations - Mixture in an overflowing tank

In summary, the process involves the production of milk chocolate in a tank, with equal parts of liquid cocoa solids and cocoa butter added at a rate of 6 litres per minute, along with milk at a rate of 3 litres per minute. The well-stirred mixture leaves the tank at a rate of 6 litres per minute, while also flowing over the edges and being collected by overflow tubing. The differential equation for the amount of cocoa solids in the mixture is dx/dt + 6x / (100 + 3t) = 3, with the solution being x(t) = (9t^3 + 900t^2 + 30,000t) / (3t + 100)^2.
  • #1
proctortom
12
0
HOW IS THE FOLLOWING QUESTION DONE?


Milk chocolate is being produced in a 300 litre tank, which initially contains 100 litres of milk. The following things then occur simultaneously:

1. Liquid cocoa (made up of equal parts cocoa solids and cocoa butter, both in liquid form) is added at a rate of 6 litres per minute.

2. Milk is added at a rate of 3 litres per minute.  The well-stirred mixture leaves the tank via a tube, at a rate of 6 litres per minute.


Let x(t) be the amount of cocoa solids in the mixture


The differential equation is dx/dt + 6x / (100 + 3t) = 3
...Therefore...
x(t) = (9t^3 + 900t^2 + 30,000t) / (3t + 100)^2


After the tank is full, the process continues as above. However, in addition to the well-stirred mixture leaving via the tube, it also flows over the edges of the tank and is collected by overflow tubing which takes it to the cooling process. Let y(t) be the number of litres of cocoa solids present in the tank t minutes after it is full.

Find the differential equation satisfied by y(t)
 
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  • #2
Not sure about the = 3 in your first eqn. Shouldn't it be 6?
The soln doesn't look quite right to me. Did you check it satisfied the differential eqn?
Please show your attempt at the last part.
 
  • #3
It is 3 because proctortom is asking for cocoa solids. dx/dt = rate of cocoa solids in - rate of cocoa solids out. Which is dx/dt = 3 [Liquid cocoa (made up of equal parts cocoa solids and cocoa butter, both in liquid form) is added at a rate of 6 litres per minute] - (x/100+3t)*6 = dx/dt + 6x/100+3t = 3

I also get stuck in finding the differential equation satisfied by y(t). The eqn should be dy/dt (3/100)*(100-y). But I don't know how to get to this !
 
  • #4
dy/dt = rate in - rate out

rate in = 3L/m (cocoa solids going into mixture)

rate out = concentration x flow rate out
= amount/volume x flow rate out

where the flow rate out must equal the flow rate in as the tank is remaining full! (6L/m via tube and 3L/m via overflow tubing)

= y/300 * 9
= 3y/100

so dy/dt = 3 - 3y/100
= 3/100 (100 - y)
 
  • #5


To find the differential equation satisfied by y(t), we need to consider the rate of change of cocoa solids in the tank after it is full. This is determined by the rate at which cocoa solids are added, the rate at which they leave through the tube, and the rate at which they leave through the overflow tubing. We can express this mathematically as:

dy/dt = 6 - 6x(t) - 6y(t)

Where x(t) is the amount of cocoa solids in the tank at time t, and y(t) is the amount of cocoa solids collected by the overflow tubing at time t. This equation takes into account the addition of cocoa solids at a rate of 6 litres per minute, the removal of cocoa solids through the tube at a rate of 6 litres per minute, and the additional removal of cocoa solids through the overflow tubing at a rate of 6 litres per minute. This differential equation can then be solved to find the function y(t), which represents the amount of cocoa solids collected by the overflow tubing at any given time t.
 

1. What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates a function to its derivatives. It is used to model and describe many physical, chemical, and biological phenomena, including the mixture in an overflowing tank.

2. How is a differential equation used to model a mixture in an overflowing tank?

In the case of a mixture in an overflowing tank, the differential equation describes the change in the concentration of the mixture over time. This is based on the rate of flow of the incoming and outgoing streams, as well as the volume of the tank and the concentration of the mixture in the tank.

3. What is the importance of solving a differential equation for the mixture in an overflowing tank?

Solving the differential equation allows us to predict the behavior of the mixture in the tank over time. It can help us determine the optimal flow rates and concentrations that will result in a steady state, as well as identify any potential issues such as overflowing or depletion of the mixture.

4. Are there different methods for solving differential equations for the mixture in an overflowing tank?

Yes, there are various methods for solving differential equations, including analytical, numerical, and graphical methods. The choice of method depends on the complexity of the equation and the desired level of accuracy.

5. Can differential equations be applied to other real-world situations?

Yes, differential equations are widely used in many fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and biology. They can be used to model a wide range of phenomena such as population growth, chemical reactions, and electrical circuits.

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