Thermodynamics - Melting of Ice

In summary: The density of ice is 0.92 kg/m^3. In summary, the density of ice is 0.92 kg/m^3 and its latent heat of fusion is 3.3×10^5 J/kg. Based on a pressure of 100 atmospheres at the bottom of a 100m thick glacier, the estimated melting temperature of the ice is only lowered by approximately 1°C. This is due to the fact that the pressure at the bottom of the glacier is not significantly different from the pressure at the surface.
  • #1
TheBaker
19
0

Homework Statement



The density of ice is 0·92×103 kg m−3 and its latent heat of fusion is 3·3×105 J kg−1.

Estimate the melting temperature of the ice at the bottom of a glacier which is 100m deep.

Homework Equations



L = Tc(S2 - S1)

The Attempt at a Solution



(S2 - S1) = 1208.8

I then tried to get somewhere with this, but kept going around in circles and couldn't work out how to incorporate the fact it's at the bottom of the glacier.

I'm guessing it's something to do with the pressure of the ice above, and worked out this was

p = F/A = 9×105

but, couldn't figure out what to do with it from there. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Numerical results, unless they are pure numbers should be presented with units.
Are we speaking of 1208.8 sausages and 9×10e5 lumps of sugar?

A little bit of internet searching will tell you that a pressure of 100 atmospheres will lower the melting point of ice (generally 0°C) by about 1°C, that is to say not a lot.
Here's the reference
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761570638/ice.html

So how much pressure is there at the bottom of a 100m thick glacier? Pressure in a medium like this is calculated as height*density (which gives us force per unit area). What does this mean approximately in terms of atmospheres (don't neglect the atmosphere itself).
 
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  • #3
TheBaker said:
The density of ice is 0·92×10-3 kg m−3

This may be a simple typo. I suspect either m should be cm here, or the 10-3 should be 10+3
 
  • #4
Sorry, that should indeed be +3
 

What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the study of the relationships between heat, energy, and work. It helps us understand how energy is transferred and transformed in various systems.

How does ice melt?

Ice melts when it is exposed to heat energy, causing the molecules in the ice to gain enough energy to break their solid bonds and become a liquid. This process is known as fusion.

What is the melting point of ice?

The melting point of ice is 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, ice and water can coexist in equilibrium.

Does the melting point of ice change?

The melting point of ice can vary depending on factors such as pressure, impurities, and the presence of other substances. However, at standard atmospheric pressure, the melting point remains constant.

Why does ice melt faster in warm water than in cold water?

Ice melts faster in warm water because heat is transferred more quickly to the ice, increasing its temperature and causing it to melt faster. Cold water does not have as much heat energy to transfer to the ice, so it melts at a slower rate.

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