Modeling Sugar Dissolution in Hot Water: Finding the Decay Rate

In summary, the conversation discusses the dissolving of sugar in hot water, with an initial mass of 7 grams and a halving of the mass after 5 minutes. The mass of sugar at time t minutes can be modeled by the equation S(t) = S0e^-kt, with S0 being the initial mass and k being the unknown parameter. The value of k can be found by using the information that S(5) = 3.5 and solving for k.
  • #1
rachael
55
0
A spoonful of sugar is dissolving in hot water. The initial mass of the sugar was 7 grams
and 5 minutes later the mass present had halved. The mass of sugar, S grams, at time
t minutes after it was placed in the hot water can be modeled by S(t) = S0e^−kt, t ≥ 0.

b Find the exact value of k.
S0=7
therefore
i sub it in the equation where i got :
S(t)= 7e^-5k
what does S(t) equals? does it equals to 35?



thank you
 
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  • #2
So the model is

[tex]s\left( t \right) = s\left( 0 \right)e^{ - kt}[/tex].

You already know s(0), that's 7. That leaves one unknown parameter, k. But you have extra information, s(5) = 3.5, let's plug this in:

[tex]3.5 = 7e^{ - k5} [/tex]

Can you solve for k?
 
  • #3
oh okai i did not read the question properly. it do not see the halving part.
thank you anywayz
 
  • #4
You're welcome :smile:
 

1. How does sugar dissolve in hot water?

When sugar is added to hot water, the molecules of sugar are broken down and dispersed in the water. The hot water provides energy for the sugar molecules to move around and separate from each other, allowing them to mix with the water molecules.

2. Why does sugar dissolve better in hot water than cold water?

Hot water has more energy than cold water, which helps break down the sugar molecules and allows them to mix with the water molecules more easily. This results in faster and more complete dissolution of sugar in hot water compared to cold water.

3. What happens to sugar molecules when they dissolve in hot water?

When sugar dissolves in hot water, the sugar molecules separate and become surrounded by water molecules. This process is known as hydration. The sugar molecules remain in the water until the water evaporates, leaving behind solid sugar crystals.

4. Does the amount of sugar affect its ability to dissolve in hot water?

Yes, the amount of sugar does affect its ability to dissolve in hot water. As the amount of sugar increases, it may take longer for all of the sugar molecules to dissolve and some may not fully dissolve. This is because there is a limit to how much sugar can be dissolved in a specific amount of water.

5. Can sugar dissolve in any temperature of water?

Yes, sugar can dissolve in any temperature of water. However, it may dissolve faster and more completely in hot water due to the increased energy and movement of molecules. In cold water, it may take longer for the sugar to dissolve and some may not fully dissolve.

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