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June 2003 p3 q7
2314
In a chemical reaction a compound X is formed from a compound Y. The masses in grams of X and Y present at time t seconds after the start of the reaction are x and y respectively. The sum of the two masses is equal to 100 grams throughout the reaction. At any time, the rate of formation of X is proportional to the mass of Y at that time. When t = 0, x = 5 and \(\frac{dx}{dt} = 1.9\).
(i) Show that x satisfies the differential equation \(\frac{dx}{dt} = 0.02(100 - x)\). [2]
(ii) Solve this differential equation, obtaining an expression for x in terms of t. [6]
(iii) State what happens to the value of x as t becomes very large. [1]
Solution
(i) Given that the rate of formation of X is proportional to the mass of Y, we have \(\frac{dx}{dt} = k(100 - x)\). Using the initial condition \(\frac{dx}{dt} = 1.9\) when \(x = 5\), we find \(1.9 = k(100 - 5)\), giving \(k = 0.02\). Thus, \(\frac{dx}{dt} = 0.02(100 - x)\).
(ii) To solve \(\frac{dx}{dt} = 0.02(100 - x)\), separate variables: \(\frac{1}{100 - x} dx = 0.02 dt\). Integrate both sides: \(-\ln|100 - x| = 0.02t + C\). Solve for x: \(x = 100 - Ce^{-0.02t}\). Use the initial condition \(x = 5\) when \(t = 0\) to find \(C = 95\). Thus, \(x = 100 - 95e^{-0.02t}\).
(iii) As \(t \to \infty\), \(e^{-0.02t} \to 0\), so \(x \to 100\).