Integration Help: Solve d/dt(Vc1) = Ak[c1(sat) - c1]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mass transfer problem involving the differential equation d/dt(Vc1) = Ak[c1(sat) - c1]. Participants are exploring the integration process and the meanings of the symbols involved, particularly the distinction between c1 and c1(sat).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the integration steps leading to the result c1/c1(sat) = 1 – e-(kA/V)t. Questions are raised about the meanings of the variables and the initial conditions, as well as the interpretation of Vc1.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the meanings of c1 and c1(sat), and there is an ongoing exploration of the differential equation approach. However, there is no explicit consensus on the integration steps or the final solution.

Contextual Notes

Initial conditions are specified as x=0, c1=0, and there is a mention of needing to solve for a constant based on these conditions. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of the variables involved.

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Homework Statement



I am working on a mass transfer problem and have this equation:

d/dt(Vc1) = Ak[c1(sat) - c1]

Homework Equations



Initial conditions:

x=0, c1=0

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the result from integration should be:

c1/c1(sat) = 1 – e-(kA/V)t

But I don't understand the integration that got there. If someone could show me the steps, that would be very helpful!
Thanks!
 
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Triathlete said:

Homework Statement



I am working on a mass transfer problem and have this equation:

d/dt(Vc1) = Ak[c1(sat) - c1]
What are the symbols here? What's the difference between c1 and c1(sat). Does Vc1 mean V * c1 or is it ##V_{c_1}##
Triathlete said:

Homework Equations



Initial conditions:

x=0, c1=0

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the result from integration should be:

c1/c1(sat) = 1 – e-(kA/V)t

But I don't understand the integration that got there. If someone could show me the steps, that would be very helpful!
Thanks!
 
Thanks for the response, c1 is the concentration c1(sat) is the saturated concentration. It is supposed to be V*c1.
 
## \frac{d}{dt}Vc_1 =Ak [ c_1 (sat) - c_1 ]##
This problem is easier to do as a differential equation.

Let's call this ##V c'(t) = Ak c_{sat} - Akc(t) ##.
This gives:
##V c'(t) +Akc(t) = Ak c_{sat}\\
c'(t) + \frac{Ak}{V} c(t) =\frac{Ak}{V} c_{sat} ##
A general solution to
##c'(t) + \frac{Ak}{V} c(t)=0## is ##c(t) = N e^{- \frac{Ak}{V} t} ##.
Where N is a constant.
Using this general solution, you can solve for a particular solution that satisfies the differential form you were given and initial conditions.
Notice that you can just add ##c_{sat}## to ##c(t) ## without affecting the derivative, since it is a constant.
So a solution to
##c'(t) + \frac{Ak}{V} c(t)= \frac{Ak}{V}c_{sat}## is ##c(t) = N e^{- \frac{Ak}{V} t} +c_{sat} ##.
Now, use your initial condition to solve for N.
##c(t) = N e^{- \frac{Ak}{V} t} +c_{sat} ## with ##c(0) = 0##.
...
From there, you should see how the solution came about.
 
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