In terms of filling and emptying tanks, what change occurs when inflow exceeds outflow over a specified period?

When inflow exceeds outflow over a specified period, the correct understanding is that the tank will gain volume. This is because the amount of liquid being added to the tank surpasses the amount of liquid being removed. As a result, the overall content of the tank increases.

If inflow significantly exceeds outflow and continues for a duration, the volume of liquid in the tank will rise, illustrating a net gain in the tank's volume. This scenario suggests that the rate of addition is dominant over the rate of removal, leading to an accumulation of liquid.

The possibility of the tank overflowing becomes a concern if the inflow persists while outflow remains low or nonexistent; however, the question specifically asks about the situation of inflow exceeding outflow without specifying an immediate overflow occurrence. Hence, the primary outcome is that the tank will gain volume until it potentially reaches a point of overflow, but initially, the essential change is the increase in liquid volume.