A block of ice falls and a part melts

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the minimum height from which a block of ice must fall to melt half a percent of its mass upon impact with a lake at 0°C. The correct approach involves using the latent heat of water, which is 79.7 Cal/g, and the potential energy formula EP = mgh. The initial calculation yielded a height of 40 meters, but the correct answer is 171 meters, highlighting the importance of using the SI unit for latent heat, which is Joules/kg, rather than Cal/kg.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of latent heat, specifically 79.7 Cal/g for water.
  • Knowledge of potential energy calculations using EP = mgh.
  • Familiarity with unit conversions between calories and joules.
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics related to phase changes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conversion of latent heat from calories to joules.
  • Explore the implications of potential energy in thermodynamic systems.
  • Learn about the specific heat capacities of different materials.
  • Investigate real-world applications of latent heat in climate science.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the principles of energy transfer and phase changes in materials.

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Homework Statement


A block of ice falls into a lake who's temperature is 00c.
Half of a percent of it's mass melts. What is the minimum height the block falls from.

Homework Equations


The Latent heat of water:L=79.7[Cal/gr]
Potential energy: EP=mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


the potential energy of the block transforms into heat which melts the ice.
I'm using L, the latent heat in [Cal/Kg] in order to be in the SI unit system and get the height h in meters:
mgh=79,700\cdot0.005\cdotm
\Rightarrowh=40[m]
The answer should be 171[m], according to the book.
 
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Karol said:
I'm using L, the latent heat in [Cal/Kg] in order to be in the SI unit system and get the height h in meters:
mgh=79,700\cdot0.005\cdotm
\Rightarrowh=40[m]
The answer should be 171[m], according to the book.
The SI unit for latent heat is Joules/kg not cal/kg.
 

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