- #1
roam
- 1,271
- 12
Homework Statement
The following is a worked problem from my textbook:
Consider two masses, with initial tempratures T1 and T2 are placed in contact and isolated from their surroundings. They are
CV1T1 + CV2T2 = CV1Tf+CV2Tf
This equation can be solved for the final temprature
[itex]T_f = \frac{C_{V1}}{C_{V1}+C_{V2}} T_1 + \frac{C_{V2}}{C_{V1}+C_{V2}} T_2[/itex]
So, if I understand it correctly they have used the idea that the total internal energy is conserved, and they equated the initial to the final Q. Is that right? I'm a bit confused as how they got the expression "CvT"? But shouldn't they be using Q=mcvΔT? Why did they omit "m"?
The Attempt at a Solution
I can use Q=mcvΔT and equate heat lost by the hotter mass to the heat gained by the colder mass. We don't have the mass, but I don't think we can just omit that. So, how did they get "CvT"? I'm a bit confused. Any help is greatly appreciated.