Mass Balance with a water Tank Robert MacKay Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver, WA
Camping
Student Learning Goals Learn basic concepts related to Systems Thinking (equilibrium and time delay) Learn the basics of mass balance. Apply this knowledge to two examples with similar structure: Temperature and heat loss. Bank Balances. Learn that at equilibrium the flow rate equals the outflow rate; Learn how to calculate equilibrium levels given inflow rate and residence time; Make simple graphs; Read information from graphs; Use a model to help develop basic equations.
http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/mathstatmodels/examples/MassBalance.html
Introduction to a Simple Negative feedback
Inflow=0.0 Water volume decreasing it tanks with lifetimes of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. (half-value times of 7, 14, and 21 minutes)
Approach to equilibrium from different directions.
Other Geoscience applications
Other Geoscience applications http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/teachingwdata/examples/CFCsModel.html
Other Geoscience applications
Conclusion Mass Balance model is very useful for introducing basic concepts related to systems thinking and systems dynamics The mass balance model structure has many applications in the geosciences. The creation and use of graphing is an essential skill for all introductory science students and should be reviewed.