Refrigerator power rating and heat absorption

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a refrigerator with a power rating of 370 W and the maximum amount of heat it can absorb from the food compartment in 1 minute. The equations COP=Qc/W and W=Qh-Qc are mentioned, but the relevance of the second equation is questioned. The equation COP=\frac{T_H}{T_H - T_C} is suggested as a possible solution, with TH representing the ambient temperature and TC representing the fridge temperature. The question of whether W is equal to the power rating is also brought up.
  • #1
nrweis
7
0

Homework Statement



A refrigerator is rated at 370 W. What is the maximum amount of heat it can absorb from the food compartment in 1 minute if the food compartment temperature is 0 deg C and it releases heat into a room at 20 degrees C.

Homework Equations



COP=Qc/W

W=Qh-Qc

The Attempt at a Solution



Now I have several questions about this one because my book does not expain at all how to do a problem like this. First of all I know that 370 W means 370 J/s but does that mean that all of that 370 Joules of energy is turned into work in trying to move heat from the cold reservoir to the hot reservoir? Also the only equations that I know are the ones listed above but I'm not even sure tht the second one is relevant because it is for heat engines not refrigerators. The book doesn't give a second equation for refrigerators. So how do I relate the temperatures of the different reservoirs to the Qh and Qc because this was not discussed either?

Pleeeeeeeeease help!
 
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  • #2
This might help

[tex]COP=\frac{T_H}{T_H - T_C}[/tex]

TH is the temp of the ambient surrounding
TC is the temp of the fridge.
 
  • #3
Oh yes thank you
 
  • #4
is W equal to the power rating?
 
  • #5
I'd believe so,yes.
 

1. How is the power rating of a refrigerator determined?

The power rating of a refrigerator is determined by measuring the amount of energy it consumes over a set period of time, typically in watts. This can be found on the Energy Guide label or in the product specifications.

2. What does the power rating of a refrigerator mean?

The power rating of a refrigerator indicates how much energy it uses to operate. This can affect your energy bill and also give an estimate of the refrigerator's cooling capacity.

3. How does a refrigerator absorb heat?

A refrigerator absorbs heat through the process of refrigeration, in which a refrigerant is compressed and then evaporated, creating a cooling effect. This allows the refrigerator to remove heat from the inside and release it outside.

4. Does a higher power rating mean a refrigerator is more efficient?

Not necessarily. A higher power rating means that the refrigerator uses more energy, but it does not necessarily mean it is more efficient at cooling. Energy Star certified refrigerators have a lower power rating and are designed to be more energy efficient.

5. Can the power rating of a refrigerator be changed?

No, the power rating of a refrigerator cannot be changed. It is determined by the design and components of the refrigerator and cannot be altered. However, you can control the energy consumption of a refrigerator by properly maintaining it and choosing an energy-efficient model.

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