Calculating Energy Requirements for a Humidifier Operating at the Boiling Point

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on calculating the energy requirements for a humidifier that operates by raising water to the boiling point and evaporating it. The calculation involves the heat of fusion (333 kJ/kg), heat of vaporization (2256 kJ/kg), and specific heat (4190 J/kg·K) of water. The correct energy requirement per minute is determined to be 8.8 × 104 J, despite multiple users arriving at 7.8 × 104 J. This discrepancy indicates a potential misunderstanding in the application of the heat of vaporization or the specific heat calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically heat transfer.
  • Familiarity with the specific heat capacity of water.
  • Knowledge of the heat of vaporization and heat of fusion of water.
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and calculations involving mass and energy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the calculation of energy using the formula Q=mL+mCΔT.
  • Investigate the differences between heat of fusion and heat of vaporization.
  • Learn about the specific heat capacity of various substances for comparative analysis.
  • Explore practical applications of humidifiers and their energy consumption in different environments.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, engineers designing humidification systems, and anyone interested in energy calculations related to phase changes in water.

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Homework Statement


A certain humidifier operates by raising water to the boiling point and then evaporating it.
Every minute 30 g of water at 20◦ C are added to replace the 30 g that are evaporated. The
heat of fusion of water is 333 kJ/kg, the heat of vaporization is 2256 kJ/kg, and the specific
heat is 4190 J/kg · K. How many joules of energy per minute does this humidifier require?
A. 3.0 × 104
B. 8.8 × 104
C. 7.8 × 104
D. 1.1 × 105
E. 2.0 × 104

Homework Equations


Q=mL+mCdeltaT

The Attempt at a Solution



energy per minute = (energy needed to heat water to boiling point) + (energy needed to convert liquid water to gas at the boiling point)

E = (30 g)(4.190 J/g-°C)(100 - 20°C) + (30 g)(2256 J/g)
E = 7.8e4 J but the correct answer is B?
 
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I get the same answer as you.
 

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