Mixing problems occur quite frequently in chemical industry. We explain here how to solve the basic model involving a single tank (see the figure on the right). The tank contains 1000 gal of water in which initially 100 lb of salt is dissolved. Brine runs in at a rate of 10 gal/min, and each gallon contains 5 lb of dissolved salt. The mixture in the tank is kept uniform by stirring. Brine runs out at 10 gal/min.
Find the amount of salt in the tank at any time t.