"Published in Newark, California, USA"
A flask containing 250 mL of 80% iodine solution tips over spilling part of its contents. This was subsequently replaced by an equal amount from a mixture of 40% iodine. If a 72% solution resulted, how much was spilled?
Solution:
Let x be the amount of 40% iodine solution to replace the spilled solution of 80% iodine solution.
Let (250 - x) be the amount of remaining solution of 80% iodine after it is spilled.
Since the given problem is about the mixture problem where the dilution process is involved, let's use the principle of chemistry in making solutions. Please remember that the
Amount of Iodine before dilution = Amount of Iodine after dilution
Therefore,
The amount of 80% iodine solution that was spilled is 50 mL.