Atomization and Evaporation: Understanding the Energy Exchange

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In summary, when liquid is forced through a small hole, heat is released due to the pressure drop across the hole. The volume of liquid and the pressure drop determine the power and heat generated. The heat comes from the power supply to the pump that raised the pressure. This is a fundamental concept in hydraulics, where pressure in the liquid is converted to kinetic energy resulting in a hotter liquid and/or vapor.
  • #1
russellsh2
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Split from https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/steves-random-physics-questions.1051467/
Oh, also, I know that it takes a lot of energy to phase change a liquid to a gas, but what if you force the liquid through a small hole that atomizes the liquid. Does the atomized liquid draw the same amount of heat from the surrounding area as its forced to become steam?
 
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  • #2
When you have a volume of liquid flow through a hole, with a pressure drop across the hole, heat is released in the fluid. The volume in metres cubed per second, multiplied by the pressure drop in pascals, gives the power in watts, or joules per second.

The heat that passes to, and boils the liquid, comes from the power supply to the pump that raised the pressure.
 
  • #3
Baluncore said:
The volume in metres cubed per second,
Just a clarification please: Is that the volume of the liquid before passing thru the hole? It seems to be the only way that statement makes sense.
 
  • #4
Tom.G said:
Is that the volume of the liquid before passing thru the hole?
Yes, the volume of liquid.
That is a fundamental of hydraulics.
The pressure in the liquid is potential energy, which is converted to kinetic energy in the orifice, to become a hotter liquid and/or a vapour.
 
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1. What is atomization and how does it relate to evaporation?

Atomization is the process of breaking down a liquid into small, individual particles or droplets. This process is essential for evaporation to occur, as it increases the surface area of the liquid, allowing for more efficient energy exchange with the surrounding environment.

2. How does energy exchange play a role in atomization and evaporation?

Energy exchange is crucial for both atomization and evaporation. In atomization, energy is required to break the bonds between liquid molecules and create smaller droplets. In evaporation, energy from the surrounding environment is absorbed by the liquid, causing the molecules to gain enough energy to escape into the gas phase.

3. What factors affect the rate of atomization and evaporation?

The rate of atomization and evaporation can be influenced by several factors, including the temperature and pressure of the surrounding environment, the properties of the liquid (such as surface tension and viscosity), and the presence of other substances (such as solutes in a solution).

4. How does the energy exchange during evaporation differ from that during boiling?

During evaporation, energy is transferred from the surrounding environment to the liquid, causing its molecules to gain enough energy to escape into the gas phase. In boiling, energy is applied directly to the liquid through heat, causing the molecules to rapidly increase in temperature and escape into the gas phase as bubbles.

5. Can atomization and evaporation occur at the same time?

Yes, atomization and evaporation can occur simultaneously. In fact, atomization can enhance the rate of evaporation by increasing the surface area of the liquid, allowing for more efficient energy exchange with the surrounding environment.

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