Solve Increase in Entropy: 2.1x107kg Ice & Snow Avalanche

In summary, entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system and plays a significant role in ice and snow avalanches. The sudden release of snow and ice down a slope causes an increase in entropy due to the change in state of the particles. This increase in entropy can be calculated using a formula that takes into account energy and temperature changes. Once entropy increases, it cannot be reversed, and it can have significant effects on the surrounding environment, such as physical damage and changes in temperature and water flow.
  • #1
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2.1 x107 kg of ice and snow at 265 K slides 0.55 km (vertical distance) down a mountain in an avalanche. What is the increase in entropy? I am having trouble finding an equation on how to solve this problem. If anyone could help me at all, thank you.
 
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  • #2
Change in entropy dS = dQ/T.
Here dQ = dW = mgh.
 
  • #3
Thank you very much, its very appreciated.
 

1. How is entropy related to an ice and snow avalanche?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In the case of an ice and snow avalanche, the increase in entropy is caused by the sudden release of a large amount of snow and ice down a slope, resulting in a chaotic and disordered movement of these particles.

2. What factors contribute to the increase in entropy in an ice and snow avalanche?

The increase in entropy in an ice and snow avalanche is primarily due to the sudden change in the state of the snow and ice particles. As they move from a stable, compact state to a chaotic, disordered state, their entropy increases. Other factors such as external forces, temperature, and pressure can also play a role in increasing entropy.

3. How is the increase in entropy calculated for an ice and snow avalanche?

The increase in entropy for an ice and snow avalanche can be calculated using the formula ΔS = Q/T, where ΔS is the change in entropy, Q is the heat transferred, and T is the temperature at which the avalanche occurs. This formula takes into account the energy and temperature changes during the avalanche to determine the overall increase in entropy.

4. Can the increase in entropy in an ice and snow avalanche be reversed?

No, the increase in entropy in an ice and snow avalanche cannot be reversed. Entropy always increases in natural processes, and once the snow and ice particles have reached a disordered state, it is not possible to return them to their original state without the input of external energy.

5. How does an increase in entropy in an ice and snow avalanche affect the surrounding environment?

An increase in entropy in an ice and snow avalanche can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment. The sudden release of a large amount of snow and ice can cause physical damage to structures and disrupt ecosystems. It can also lead to changes in temperature and water flow, which can have long-term effects on the surrounding landscape.

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