Creating Entropy by Mixing Hot and Cold Water

In summary, the problem is asking for the change in entropy that occurs when 50 liters of hot water at 55 degrees Celsius is mixed with 25 liters of cold water at 10 degrees Celsius. This can be calculated by converting the volumes of water to mass and using the equations dS=Q/T and Q=mcΔT. However, since the temperatures of the components are changing, the change in entropy for each component must be integrated, resulting in a positive change in entropy of the system.
  • #1
Benzoate
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Homework Statement



In order to take a nice warm bah, you mix 50 liters of hot water at 55 degrees celsuis wti h25 liters of cold water at 10 degrees celsius . how much new entropy have you created by mixing the water?


Homework Equations


Possible equations:
dS=Q/T:
Q=m*c*delta(T)
Q=m*L

The Attempt at a Solution



First, I need to convert the volumes of water into mass by multiplying the density of water by Volume.

m(hot)=(50 L)*(1.00 g/cm^3)= 50000 grams.
deltaS(hot)=(50000 g)*(4.18 J/(K*g))*(328 K-283 K)/(328 K)= 28673 J/K
m(cold)=(25 L)*(1.00 g/cm^3)= 25000 grams
deltaS(cold)=(25000 g)*(4.18 J/(K*g))*(283 K - 328 K)/(283 K)= -16616.60 J/K

deltaS(new)=deltaS(cold)+deltaS(hot)= (-16616.60 J/K)+(28273 J/K)= 11656.4 J/K
 
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  • #2
Benzoate said:

Homework Equations


Possible equations:
dS=Q/T:
Q=m*c*delta(T)

OK, there's a little problem with one of your equations. The differential entropy is

dS = dQ/T .

If you put that together with the calorimetric equation, which will give you

dQ = mc·dT ,

you have dS = mc · (dT / T).

When the hot water is cooling to 40º C (283 K) and the cold water warming to that equilibrium temperature, the temperatures of the components are not constant. So you will have to integrate to find the change in entropy of each component. The sum should be positive, but will be different from the value you have presently...
 

1. What is the relationship between entropy and heat?

The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy, or the measure of disorder in a system, always increases over time. Heat is a form of energy that is transferred from one system to another, and this transfer of energy can lead to an increase in entropy.

2. How does the concept of entropy apply to everyday life?

Entropy can be observed in many everyday phenomena, such as the melting of ice cubes or the rusting of metal. In both cases, the transfer of heat leads to an increase in disorder and a higher level of entropy.

3. Can entropy be reversed?

In isolated systems, entropy can never decrease, but it can be decreased in localized systems. For example, a living organism maintains a low level of entropy by constantly taking in energy and expelling waste. However, the overall entropy of the universe will continue to increase.

4. How does entropy relate to the arrow of time?

The arrow of time refers to the concept that time only moves in one direction, from the past to the future. Entropy is closely related to this concept, as the increase in entropy over time is what gives us a sense of direction in time. The second law of thermodynamics also supports the idea that the universe is constantly moving towards a state of maximum entropy.

5. How is entropy calculated?

Entropy is typically measured in units of joules per kelvin (J/K). The specific formula for calculating entropy depends on the system and the type of energy transfer involved. In general, entropy can be calculated by dividing the amount of energy transferred by the temperature at which the transfer occurs.

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