Acid–water ratio becomes 2:5:\nA beaker has acid:water = 1:x. When 300 ml of this mixture is mixed with 50 ml water (only), the new ratio is 2:5. Find x.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 4

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Start from a mixture with acid:water = 1:x. Taking 300 ml preserves the ratio inside that sample. Then 50 ml pure water is added; set up the new ratio.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial acid:water = 1:x.
  • From that, 300 ml is taken: acid = 300*(1/(1+x)); water = 300*(x/(1+x)).
  • Add 50 ml water.


Concept / Approach:
New mixture components: acid stays the same; water increases by 50 ml. New ratio = 2:5.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Acid A = 300/(1+x).Water W = 300x/(1+x) + 50.Given A:W = 2:5 ⇒ 5A = 2W.5*(300/(1+x)) = 2*(300x/(1+x) + 50)1500/(1+x) = (600x/(1+x)) + 100Multiply both sides by (1+x): 1500 = 600x + 100 + 100x1500 = 700x + 100 ⇒ 700x = 1400 ⇒ x = 2.


Recheck:
Wait: plugging x=2 gives A = 100; W = 200 + 50 = 250 → 100:250 = 2:5 (works). Option A shows 2, but the original set lists 4 as a candidate too. Correct is x = 2.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1, 3, 4 do not satisfy the derived proportion with the 50 ml extra water.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting the added water is pure water, not mixture.


Final Answer:
2

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