Determine % of Water & Glycol in Mixture from Density & Temp

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the percentage composition of water and glycol in a mixture based on its density and temperature. Participants explore the relationship between density and composition, considering both theoretical and practical approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the equation dmix = (x)dglycol + (1-x)dwater, where x represents the percentage of glycol and (1-x) the percentage of water.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial equation, suggesting that knowing the temperature allows for looking up the densities of each component.
  • A different participant challenges the validity of the initial equation, stating that volumes are not additive in general and that the linearity of the density versus composition curve should be verified.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the calculation method and asks if there are alternative approaches given the available information.
  • Another participant suggests that using a density table is the most reliable method, noting limitations in the available density data for ethylene glycol.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the validity of the initial equation for calculating percentages based on density. Some participants support its use, while others argue against it due to the non-additive nature of volumes in mixtures.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of checking the linearity of the density versus composition curve and mention limitations in the density tables available for ethylene glycol.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or practitioners dealing with mixtures of water and glycol, particularly in contexts where density measurements and temperature are relevant.

2slowtogofast
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Homework Statement


I know the density of a mixture of water and glycol. I will call that dmix. I need to find the percentage of water and the percentage of glycol in the mixture. The only other thing I know is the temp.


Homework Equations



d=m/v



The Attempt at a Solution



What am unsure of is the following true

Let x = %glycol
Let 1-x = %water

dmix = (x)dglycol + (1-x)dwater
 
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2slowtogofast said:

Homework Statement


I know the density of a mixture of water and glycol. I will call that dmix. I need to find the percentage of water and the percentage of glycol in the mixture. The only other thing I know is the temp.


Homework Equations



d=m/v



The Attempt at a Solution



What am unsure of is the following true

Let x = %glycol
Let 1-x = %water

dmix = (x)dglycol + (1-x)dwater

Yes, it's true. Since you have the temperature of the mixture, you can look up the densities of each component at the appropriate temperature. Then proceed.
 
good. Thanks
 
It is NOT true. Volumes are not additive.

For some substances - ethylene glycol included - it works quite good, but it doesn't in general. SO each time you should check if the density vs composition curve is linear - or not.
 
Ok I though it might not be true. So is there another way this calc can be done with the given info?
 
Density table is the only sure way to go. That's how my works. Unfortunately, density table for ethylene glycol that is built into the program is limited to 60% w/w. It can be easily extended if you can find a better density table.
 

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