Mixing Problem HELP - Solve Salt in Tank After t Hours

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a tank containing salt and water, where a solution with a specific concentration enters and exits the tank at a constant rate. The goal is to find the equation representing the amount of salt in the tank after a certain time period.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the rates of salt entering and leaving the tank, with one participant attempting to derive a differential equation based on these rates. There is also mention of potential chemistry concepts that may relate to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the rates of salt flow and the formulation of the differential equation. Some participants question the necessity of chemistry in solving the problem, while others suggest that it may simplify the approach. There is no explicit consensus on the best method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in calculations, such as a potential error in the decimal placement affecting the derived equations. The original poster expresses frustration with the problem, indicating that they have struggled with similar questions previously.

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Homework Statement



A tank contains `100` kg of salt and `2000` L of water. A solution of a concentration `0.025` kg of salt per liter enters a tank at the rate `6` L/min. The solution is mixed and drains from the tank at the same rate.

Find the equation for the amount of salt in the tank after t hours.

The Attempt at a Solution



I have 0.15kg/min as my rate in and y(t)/333.33 as my rate out.

Which I put together in the form

dy/dt = (5 - y(t))/(333.33)

Split it into

int of (dy/5 - y) = int of (dt/333.33)

-ln(5 - y) = t/333.33 + C

y(0) = 100, so C = -ln(-95)

-ln(5 - y) = t/(333.33) - ln(-95)

5 - y = -95e^(-t/333.33)

y(t) = 5 + 95e^(-t/333.33)

But that's wrong. I know I've asked a lot of stuff today, but this one is driving me crazy, I've tried everything I could think of and nothing came out right. Help!
 
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This involves chemistry friend.

n1v1=n2v2
 
I'm...fairly sure it doesn't, because we've done problems like this before in Calculus without any Chemistry.
 
the7joker7 said:
I have 0.15kg/min as my rate in and y(t)/333.33 as my rate out.

This is correct. I believe you dropped a decimal place, because the next line should be

dy/dt = (50 - y(t))/(333.33) ,

which now gives you the incoming mass rate of 0.15 kg/min. The asymptotic mass of salt in the tank should be 50 kg
( = 0.025 kg/L · 2000 L), which is what the corrected mass function

y(t) = 50 + 50e^(-t/333.33)

will give you.

I use decimals, rather than fractions, which avoided this headache...
 
the7joker7 said:
I'm...fairly sure it doesn't, because we've done problems like this before in Calculus without any Chemistry.

I never said that it cannot be solved without using chemistry.
I wanted to say that this question becomes a piece of meat when solved using chemistry.
 

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