Mixture problem. How to solve for C?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mixture problem involving the concentration of a chemical in a tank, where participants are attempting to derive a differential equation to solve for the concentration C. The context includes flow rates and mass balance equations related to the volume and concentration of the chemical X in the tank.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for two differential equations to account for volume and chemical concentration. There are differing interpretations of the approach, with some referencing specific examples from class or textbooks. Questions arise about the correct formulation of the equations and the implications of initial conditions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering different formulations of the equations and exploring their implications. Some guidance has been provided regarding the setup of the differential equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific initial conditions and examples from their coursework, indicating that there may be constraints based on the instructional context or specific methods taught by the professor.

Jeff12341234
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I need to solve for C. I know it's probably simple but i don't remember how to. This is what I have so far:
FgCaDxf.jpg
 
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Because the volume flow rate entering is different from the volume flow rate leaving, you need to write down two differential equations, rather than 1:

Volume Input - Volume Output = accumulation for the volume of fluid in the tank

Chemical X Input - chemical X Output = accumulation for chemical X in the tank

If V(t) is the volume of fluid in the tank at time t, fin is the volumetric flow rate of fluid in, and f_out is the volumetric flow rate of fluid out, what is the differential equation for V?

If C(t) is the concentration of chemical X within the tank at time t, and C_in is the concentration of chemical X in the feed to the tank, what is the differential equation for the rate of change of total chemical X in the tank?

The next step is to multiply the differential equation for V by C, and subtract the resulting relationship from the mass balance on chemical X.
 
I don't follow.. The way I did it is the way the professor instructed us and the steps match the steps in his example. To solve for C, I now realize from an example in the book that A(0)=35. With that information, I can solve for C.

WYp5JqT.png
 
OK. I see what you did, and, of course, it is right. But, here's my alternate version to consider:

[tex]\frac{dV}{dt}=f_{in}-f_{out}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d(VC)}{dt}=f_{in}C_{in}-f_{out}C[/tex]
Multiply the first equation by C and subtract it from the second equation:

[tex]V\frac{dC}{dt}=f_{in}(C_{in}-C)[/tex]

where [itex]V=V_0+(f_{in}-f_{out})t[/itex]
So,

[tex]\frac{dC}{(C_{in}-C)}=f_{in}\frac{dt}{V_0+(f_{in}-f_{out})t}[/tex]
 

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