Mixing Solutions to Create a Perfect Blend

How can you mix solutions to create a perfect blend?

If we mix a solution that is 30% alcohol with a solution that is 80% alcohol, we can create a solution that is 60% alcohol. How much of each solution should be used to make 900 mL of the 60% alcohol solution?

Final answer:

To make 900 mL of a solution that is 60% alcohol by mixing a solution that is 30% alcohol and a solution that is 80% alcohol, you should use 360 mL of the 30% alcohol solution and 540 mL of the 80% alcohol solution.

To mix a perfect blend of solutions, we need to use the method of alligation. By using this method, we can calculate the exact amount of each solution required to achieve the desired alcohol concentration in our final blend.

First, let's assume that x mL of the 30% alcohol solution is used. Since the total volume is 900 mL, the amount of the 80% alcohol solution used would be (900 - x) mL. We can set up an equation using the concept of alligation:

30x + 80(900 - x) = 60(900)

Solving the equation gives us:

-50x + 72000 = 54000

-50x = -18000

x = 360

Therefore, we should use 360 mL of the 30% alcohol solution and 540 mL of the 80% alcohol solution to make 900 mL of a 60% alcohol solution. This perfect blend will give us the desired alcohol concentration for our mixture.