Thermal Physics Problem: Finding Final Temperature of a Water-Ice Mixture

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermal physics problem involving the calculation of the final temperature of a water-ice mixture in an insulated beaker. The original poster presents a scenario with specific masses and temperatures, seeking to determine the required mass of ice to achieve a target final temperature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations involved in determining the mass of ice needed, with some questioning the specific heat values used and the approach to temperature changes. There is a focus on the equality of heat gained and lost in the system.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct use of specific heat values and the interpretation of temperature changes, but no consensus has been reached on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of feedback received by the original poster indicating they are close to the correct answer, as well as references to specific educational tools that may influence the interpretation of the problem.

~angel~
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Please help.

An insulated beaker with negligible mass contains liquid water with a mass of 0.350kg and a temperature of 76.3 degrees celsius.

How much ice at a temperature of −18.1 degrees celsius must be dropped into the water so that the final temperature of the system will be 35.5 degrees celsius?

Take the specific heat for liquid water to be 4190 J/kg.K, the specific heat for ice to be 2100 J/kg.K}, and the heat of fusion for water to be 334kJ/kg.

My final answer was 0.12kg, , but the feedback i received was "you are close". I can't seem to get the right answer for it. Please help.

Thanks
 
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Please help.
 
If you were close to the answer, explain us the steps of your reasoning.
 
okie dokie... i did m_ice*c_ice*(0--18.1)+ m_ice*L+ m_ice*c_ice*(35.5-0) *m_water*c_water*(35.5-76.3).

I think my mistake may have been with the heat capacity of the ice. I think i need to put 4190 instead of 2100 when the ice is melted.
 
Yep, you're close to the answer, except two things. First, substract the lower temperature from the higher temperature. Second, your mistake, after the ice has melted don't use c(ice) any more, but c(water).
 
But shouldn't the change in temp be t_final-t_initial?
 
~angel~ said:
But shouldn't the change in temp be t_final-t_initial?

Ok, it depends on the context where you use it. I was thinking that you were using the equality [tex]Q_{gained} = Q_{lost}[/tex], meaning that the heat gained by ice is equal to the heat lost by water. T_final - T_initial would make the RHS negative.
On the other hand, if you use [tex]Q_{gained} + Q_{lost} = 0[/tex] it is ok to use as you did, assuming that the lost energy is negative.
 
If you are referring to water, i think it is menat to be a negative number, because I'm using the mastering physics thing, and it says it's correct.

Thanks for your help.
 

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