Calculating Equilibrium Temperature in a Water Mixture

AI Thread Summary
To find the equilibrium temperature in a water mixture, set the heat gained by the cooler water equal to the heat lost by the warmer water, expressed as q1 = -q2. The specific heat capacity (c) can be canceled out since both bodies of water are the same substance. The equation simplifies to m1*(Tf - T1) + m2*(Tf - T2) = 0, where Tf is the final temperature, and T1 and T2 are the initial temperatures of the two water masses. It is important to ensure that the final temperature falls between the initial temperatures of the two water samples. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of using consistent temperature units when calculating specific heat.
Tokimasa
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
How would you find the equilibrium temperature in a problem like this? **I don't need the answer, just some advice on getting there**

45g of water at 4 degrees C is added to 150g of water at 75 degrees C. What is the mixture's equilibrium temperature?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
q = m*C_p *\Delta T
Both objects will have the same heat transfer....
 
FredGarvin said:
q = m*C_p *\Delta T
Both objects will have the same heat transfer....

I don't get it...

m = total mass
c = forgot it's name of water
delta T = unknown
q = unknown

You have two unknowns...
 
heat lost by one volume of water at its temperature will be gained by the other. Thus
q1 (gained)=-q2(lost), you'll need to set the q equal to each other and solve for final temperature, Tf, which will be the same for the two equations.
 
So how do I solve for q? Either way I look at it, I've got two unknowns. Do I need to use solving for simultaneous equations or something?
 
Its Easy...

hey tokimasa


m*c*(T-277)=-M*c*(T-348)

we know m,M and we can cancel "c" because both c are equal(we are talking about mixing the same material here-water)...then we will get an equation based on T...and we can find T from it,which is the temperature of the mixture...

now i will tell u the idea behind this...we are talking about mixing the same substance...that is water...so the property of heat transfer and temperature changes can be easily related...when u bring cold water towards hotter water...the hot loses some energy...ie Q...this Q is gained by cold water...then only the condition becomes equillibrium isn't it??here one is loosing and the other is gaining...thats y the sign difference occurs
 
Last edited:
nomorevishnu said:
hey tokimasa


m*c*(T-277)=-M*c*(T-348)

we know m,M and we can cancel "c" because both c are equal(we are talking about mixing the same material here-water)...then we will get an equation based on T...and we can find T from it,which is the temperature of the mixture...

now i will tell u the idea behind this...we are talking about mixing the same substance...that is water...so the property of heat transfer and temperature changes can be easily related...when u bring cold water towards hotter water...the hot loses some energy...ie Q...this Q is gained by cold water...then only the condition becomes equillibrium isn't it??here one is loosing and the other is gaining...thats y the sign difference occurs

I see where you are coming from now. But where do you get 227 and 348 from?
 
He's converting to kelvin, but he did it wrong.

The heat gained frmo one equals the heat lost from the other

q_1 = -q_2

m*c*(T_{celsius}+273) = -m*c*(T_{celsius} + 273)

Where the left side is one of the liquids, and the right side is the other. C is the same for both, and m is the mass of each quantity.
 
y is it wrong man?we have to incorporate temperature change as well...and i did it Q1=-Q2...ok...dont simply say its wrong
 
  • #10
But it is wrong.. T - 277? T - 348? Whats that?
 
  • #11
now what!

hey...Q=m*c*(Tf-Ti)...
in the problem given by tokimasa...Tf...the final equilibrium temperature is what we have to find...for both the part of liquids change of temperature takes place...for the cooler water temperature increases from 277K(given by tokimasa) to Tf...so...Q=m*c*(Tf-277)

for the cooler water temperature decreases from 348K(also given) to Tf...
so Q=M*c*(Tf-348)
remember...delta T is always final-initial...so Tf-277 and Tf-348 likewise...now do u understand??
 
  • #12
First of all, is it really necessary to change it to Kelvin? Is the answer meant to be in Kelvin?

It is quite simple. You find m*c*DT for both of the "waters". You know the mass of both, the specific heat capacity (c) is 4190, and you know the initial temperature of both systems. You want to find the final temperature.

m1*c*DT1 + m2*c*DT2 = 0

so you get 0.045*4190*(Tf-4) + 0.15*4190*(Tf-75) = 0

Then you just solve it algebraically.

Cehck that your answer is between 4 degrees and 75 degrees.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
~angel~ said:
First of all, is it really necessary to change it to Kelvin? Is the answer meant to be in Kelvin?

It is quite simple. You find m*c*DT for both of the "waters". You know the mass of both, the specific heat capacity (c) is 4190, and you know the initial temperature of both systems. You want to find the final temperature.

m1*c*DT1 + m2*c*DT2 = 0

so you get 0.045*4190*(Tf-4) + 0.15*4190*(Tf-75) = 0

Then you just solve it algebraically.

Cehck that your answer is between 4 degrees and 75 degrees.

Yes, kelvin is necessary. Other than that this is all correct..
I just noticed I forgot the deltas in my equations above.
 
  • #14
celsius and kelvin depends upon the unit of specific heat constant...that is "c"...if u r taking c on the basis of celcius...use celcius...if c is in SI use kelvins...
 
Back
Top