Comparison of internal energies: hot nail versus beaker of water

In summary, the conversation discusses the initial internal energy and average kinetic energy of a nail and water when the nail is heated and then dropped into the water at room temperature. The discussion includes considering factors such as temperature, degrees of freedom, and mass. There is also a question about whether the size of the water body would make a difference in the initial energies.
  • #1
memeningful
1
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Homework Statement


[/B]
A nail is heated in a bunsen burner flame and is about to be dropped into a beaker of water at room temperature.

a) Which of the two substances (nail or water) would you expect to initially have:

i) the highest internal energy
ii) the highest average kinetic energy

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



for my answer
i) the highest internal energy (to me, it was nail)
ii) the highest average kinetic energy (to me, it was water)

I checked the answers, my logic is wrong, so I have decided to come here to ask why and the reasonsThanks everyone!
 
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  • #2
i) I think nail .
iii) <W>~T because temperature of nail is higher than water.
 
  • #3
Have a think about the factors that effect the internal energy. It's not just the temperature.
 
  • #4
CWatters said:
Have a think about the factors that effect the internal energy. It's not just the temperature.
I think the factors that effect the internal energy are the temperature and the degrees of freedoms. Metal has 6 degrees of freedom. I don't know about the liquid.
 
  • #5
The energy required to heat something up depends on three things. The Temperature change is one.

Would it make a difference if it was an ocean of water?
What would make a difference if the mass and temperature of the two objects were was the same?
 

1. How does the internal energy of a hot nail compare to that of a beaker of water?

The internal energy of a hot nail is typically higher than that of a beaker of water. This is because the hot nail has a higher temperature, which means its atoms and molecules are moving at a faster rate and have a higher kinetic energy compared to the water in the beaker.

2. What factors affect the internal energy of a hot nail and a beaker of water?

The internal energy of a hot nail and a beaker of water can be affected by factors such as temperature, mass, and the specific heat capacity of the materials. The temperature of the hot nail and the water will determine the amount of thermal energy they possess, while the mass and specific heat capacity will affect the amount of energy needed to raise their temperatures.

3. How does the transfer of heat differ between a hot nail and a beaker of water?

The transfer of heat is different between a hot nail and a beaker of water. The hot nail transfers heat primarily through conduction, as the heat is directly transferred from the hot object to the cooler surroundings. On the other hand, the beaker of water transfers heat through a combination of conduction, convection, and radiation.

4. Which has a higher internal energy: a hot nail in cold water or a hot nail in hot water?

A hot nail in hot water will have a higher internal energy compared to a hot nail in cold water. This is because the hot water will have a higher temperature and therefore, a higher internal energy, compared to cold water. The hot nail will also experience a faster rate of heat transfer in hot water, leading to a higher internal energy.

5. Can the internal energy of a hot nail and a beaker of water be equal?

The internal energy of a hot nail and a beaker of water can theoretically be equal if they both have the same temperature. However, this is unlikely in practical scenarios due to the differences in mass, specific heat capacity, and other factors that can influence the internal energy. In most cases, the internal energy of a hot nail will be higher than that of a beaker of water due to its higher temperature.

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