Setting up linear equations for problems dealing with specific gravity.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around setting up a system of linear equations related to specific gravity, focusing on an object made of lead and tin. The original poster is trying to determine the quantities of each material based on their weights in air and oil.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for mass and volume addition statements and the application of buoyant force to establish relationships between the variables. There is a suggestion to consider potential algebra mistakes in previous attempts.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants offering guidance on how to set up the equations. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach, and the original poster expresses continued difficulty in arriving at the correct answer.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may have made an algebra mistake, and the discussion hints at the need for careful consideration of the setup and assumptions involved in the problem.

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I can not, for the life of me, figure out how to set the following up into a system of equations.

An object composed of x gram-mole of lead (specific gravity 11) and y gram-mole of tin(specific gravity 7) weights 82 gram-moles in air and 77 gram-moles in oil of specific gravity of 1/2. Find x and y.

Finding x and y is simple, if I could figure out the right way to set it up...:(
 
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I would start with a statement of mass addition,
and a statement of volume addition.
The buoyant Force (5gram)g = V*(.5gram/cm^3)g
gives you a way to write the total Volume.
 
I still can't get it to come out to the correct answer...
 
"correct answer" might be wrong.
maybe youmade an algebra mistake...
what have you done so far?
 

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