How long does it take the sun to melt a block of ice?

In summary, the question asks how long it takes for the Sun to melt a block of ice at 0°C with an area of 1.10 m2 and thickness 1.07 cm, assuming the Sun's rays make an angle of 31.1° with the normal to the area and the emissivity of ice is 0.0400. The correct equation to solve for t is A*h *ρ *L /t = IeACOSθ, and the calculated value of t should be approximately 1.05*10^-5 s.
  • #1
angelbluw15
1
0

Homework Statement


How long does it take the Sun to melt a block of ice at 0°C with an area of 1.10 m2 and thickness 1.07 cm? Assume that the Sun's rays make an angle of 31.1° with the normal to the area, and that the emissivity of ice is 0.0400.


Homework Equations


Q/t = IeAcos(theta)



The Attempt at a Solution


ok, I've done multiple attempts and am still not getting the correct answer!

1) Q/t = IeAcos(Theta)
Q/t = (1000 W/m^2)(0.04)(1.10cos(31.1)) = 37.6 J/s
but from this number, I don't understand how to find time, should it be one??

or
A*h *ρ *L /t = IeACOSθ
t = time for ice to melt = IeCOSθ /h *ρ *L
t = (1000 W/m^2)(0.04)(cos(31.1)/(0.0107 m)(917 kg/m^3)(3.33*10^5 J/kg)
t= 1.05*10^-5 s

but, that doesn't work either. I've been trying this problem all afternoon, please help!
 
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  • #2
angelbluw15 said:
A*h *ρ *L /t = IeACOSθ
t = time for ice to melt = IeCOSθ /h *ρ *L
t = (1000 W/m^2)(0.04)(cos(31.1)/(0.0107 m)(917 kg/m^3)(3.33*10^5 J/kg)
The OP has blundered in manipulating the equation, yielding, numerically, 1/t instead of t.
 

What factors affect the time it takes the sun to melt a block of ice?

The time it takes for the sun to melt a block of ice depends on several factors, including the size and shape of the ice block, the intensity of the sunlight, the ambient temperature, and the material of the ice block.

How long does it take for the sun to melt a small block of ice?

The time it takes for the sun to melt a small block of ice can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. On a sunny day with average temperatures, it could take a few hours for a small block of ice to melt.

Can the time it takes for the sun to melt a block of ice be shortened?

Yes, the time it takes for the sun to melt a block of ice can be shortened by increasing the intensity of the sunlight or by placing the ice block in a warmer environment. The use of a magnifying glass or reflective materials can also speed up the melting process.

Does the time it takes for the sun to melt a block of ice differ at different locations on Earth?

Yes, the time it takes for the sun to melt a block of ice can vary depending on the location on Earth. Areas with stronger sunlight and warmer temperatures will melt ice faster than areas with less intense sunlight and colder temperatures.

What is the average time it takes for the sun to melt a block of ice?

The average time it takes for the sun to melt a block of ice can range from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and conditions mentioned above. However, this time can be significantly shortened with the use of external factors such as heat or reflective materials.

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