Question

geochemist measures the concentration of salt dissolved in Lake Parsons and finds a concentration of 3.89·gL−1. The geochemist also measures the concentration of salt in several nearby non-isolated lakes, and finds an average concentration of 2.1·gL−1. Assuming the salt concentration in Lake Parsons before it became isolated was equal to the average salt concentration in nearby non-isolated lakes, calculate the percentage of Lake Parsons which has evaporated since it became isolated. Be sure your answer has the correct number of significant digits.

Answer 1

46%

Step-by-step explanation:

When solving this problem we have to note that the amount of salt (in grams) before isolation and after isolation are equal. If
`V_1` represents its volume before isolation and
`V_2` its volume after isolation then:

`2.1 (g)/(L) *V_1=3.89(g)/(L) *V_2\\\\(V_2)/(V_1) =(2.1)/(3.89)\\\\(V_2)/(V_1) =0.54\\\\This\ means\ after \ isolation\ the\ volume\ of water\ is\ 54\%\ of\ its\ original\ value.\\\\The\ amount\ of\ evaporation=1-(V_2)/(V_1) =1-0.54=0.46=46\%\\\\The\ amount\ of\ evaporation=46\%`