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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Chemical Engineering Forum => Topic started by: limonade on April 07, 2014, 03:39:27 PM

Title: Component balance, separation of variables, Second order Rate Equation
Post by: limonade on April 07, 2014, 03:39:27 PM

Hi. Just wondering if anyone out there would mind checking my math on this problem. I am missing a minus sign somewhere, I just can't find it. I am trying to use separation of variables to derive an equation for conversion from the component balance for a second order irreversible reaction. My work is in the first two pics. The correct formula is in the third pic.

Many thanks in advance

Title: Re: Component balance, separation of variables, Second order Rate Equation
Post by: mjc123 on April 08, 2014, 07:00:47 AM

Your problem is with your definite integral. The integral from 0 to x of 1/(1-x)² is not 1/(1-x), but 1/(1-x) - 1/(1-0), i.e 1/(1-x) - 1

Title: Re: Component balance, separation of variables, Second order Rate Equation
Post by: limonade on April 08, 2014, 07:56:22 AM

That's what I get for skipping steps X/


Thank you very much for your reply. I really appreciate it :)