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Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/solution percent problem

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Expert: - 7/12/2009


Question
Dr. Boyer,

I have tried multiple times to figure out this problem, but I still cannot come up with an answer. I'm very confused on how to even start it correctly. Please help me with this question:

How much of an 18% solution of sulfuric acid should be added to 360 ml of a 10% solution to obtain a 15% solution?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Answer
Let x be the volume of 18% needed

The amount of sulfuric acid in each is

x(18)  and   360(10)


the total amount of acid is x(18) + 360 (10)

but this has to equal the (total volume X 15)

So

x(18) + 360(10) = (x+360)(15)

Solve for x.  I get 600mL  

Chemistry (including Biochemistry)

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Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.

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Experience in the area
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Experience

Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry

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