Mixing Water Masses: Calculating Proportions for Resultant Mass R

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To determine the proportions of three water masses (I, II, III) mixed to create a resultant mass (R), the initial temperatures and salinities of each mass must be used to set up equations. The temperature equation is derived from the weighted average of the masses, leading to 5a + 2b + 1c = 3(a + b + c). A similar approach is applied to the salinity, resulting in another equation that relates a, b, and c. After solving these equations, the correct ratio of the masses is found to be 5:6:2. This process highlights the importance of using both temperature and salinity in mixing calculations.
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Proportions help needed!

Three water masses (I, II, III) are mixed together to form a resultant water mass (R).
I: T=5 deg C, S=35.50 ppt
II: T=2 deg C, S=34.50 ppt
III: T= 1 deg C, S=35.25 ppt
R: T= 3 deg C, S=35.00 ppt
What were the relative proportions of I, II, and III that were mixed together to form R?

Someone please help, I don't even know where to start...
 
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Hi groovayness! :smile:

In questions like this, start by saying:

"Let the mass of I be a, of II be b, and of III be c".

(So the mass of R will be a + b + c.)

Hint: if a combination of a at 5º, b at 2º, and c at 1º, is at 3º … what formula does that give you connecting a b and c? :smile:
 
ok so would the equation be 5a+2b+1c=3(a+b+c)? but then what am i solving for?
And then where do i factor in the salt concentration (s)?
 
Yes, that's right!

Now put the a's b's and c's together, to make 2a = b+ 2c.

And then do the same thing for the salt … then you'll have another equation for a b and c, from which you can find the ration b/c. :smile:
 
ok i think i got it.

i got a:b:c is 3.5 : 5 : 1

is that correct?
 
groovayness said:
ok i think i got it.

i got a:b:c is 3.5 : 5 : 1

is that correct?

Noo … it should be 5 : 6 : 2.

Show us your working. :confused:
 


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