Ice vs. Dry Ice total BTU cooling to 25 degrees C

In summary, the total BTU for 1 lb of dry ice would be higher than 1 lb of regular ice due to its lower heat capacity as a gas. However, in order to reach a temperature of 25 degrees C, both types of ice would require the same amount of heat energy, which would be determined by their specific heat capacity and heat of fusion.
  • #1
bguthire
1
0
I wanted to ask which would provide the largest total BTU cooling regular ice from water or dry ice to reach a temperature of 25 degrees C?

1 lb of Ice would start at -3 degrees C to 25 degrees C at sea level = total BTU
1 lb of Dry ice would start at -80 degrees C to 25 degrees C at sea level = total BTU
 
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  • #2
You need the heat of fusion = the energy released when a mass of a solid melts
and the specific heat capacity = the energy released by deg rise in temperature once the substance has melted.

Although the CO2 is at a lower temperature the heat capacity of a gas is much lower than water.
 
  • #3


The total BTU cooling provided by regular ice from water and dry ice would depend on several factors such as the starting temperature, the amount of ice used, and the surrounding environment. However, in general, dry ice would provide a larger total BTU cooling compared to regular ice from water.

This is because dry ice has a much lower starting temperature (-80 degrees C) compared to regular ice from water (-3 degrees C). This means that dry ice has a larger temperature difference to overcome in order to reach 25 degrees C, resulting in a higher amount of energy (BTUs) being absorbed from the surrounding environment.

Additionally, dry ice undergoes a process called sublimation, where it changes directly from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid phase. This process also requires a significant amount of energy (BTUs) to be absorbed, resulting in a larger total BTU cooling compared to regular ice from water.

However, it is important to note that the total BTU cooling provided by both types of ice will also depend on the specific heat capacities of the materials and the efficiency of the cooling process. Therefore, the exact amount of total BTU cooling cannot be determined without further information and experimentation.
 

1. What is the difference between ice and dry ice?

Ice is the solid form of water, while dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. Ice is formed from the freezing of liquid water, while dry ice is formed from the sublimation of carbon dioxide gas.

2. How do ice and dry ice cool to 25 degrees C?

Both ice and dry ice absorb heat from their surroundings in order to change from a solid to a liquid or gas. This process of absorbing heat is what cools the surrounding area to the desired temperature of 25 degrees C.

3. How do the BTU values of ice and dry ice compare?

The BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy and is used to measure the cooling capacity of a substance. Ice has a BTU value of 143 BTU/lb, while dry ice has a BTU value of 246 BTU/lb. This means that dry ice has a higher cooling capacity than ice.

4. Can ice and dry ice be used interchangeably for cooling to 25 degrees C?

No, ice and dry ice have different cooling properties and cannot be used interchangeably. Dry ice has a much lower temperature (-78.5 degrees C) compared to ice (0 degrees C), so it would require a different amount to reach the same cooling temperature of 25 degrees C.

5. What other factors can affect the total BTU cooling to 25 degrees C?

The amount and type of insulation, the starting temperature of the surrounding area, and the volume and surface area of the cooling substance can all affect the total BTU cooling to 25 degrees C. Other factors such as air flow and ambient temperature can also play a role in the cooling process.

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