Calculating Time to Heat 52 Gallons of Water

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the time required to heat 52 gallons of water using a 4800-watt hot water heater, raising the temperature from 60°F to 120°F. The participants confirm the correct conversion of units and calculations, emphasizing the importance of using consistent measurement systems such as SI units. The final answer is validated through peer confirmation, ensuring the accuracy of the heating time calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal energy calculations
  • Familiarity with the conversion between gallons and pounds
  • Knowledge of power measurement in watts
  • Basic principles of heat transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about the specific heat capacity of water
  • Explore the formula for calculating heating time: Q = mcΔT
  • Research unit conversions between gallons and liters
  • Investigate the efficiency of different hot water heater models
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in thermal systems or plumbing who needs to calculate heating times for water in residential or industrial applications.

Jason03
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the problem I am working on asks to find how long it would take to heat 52 gallons of water in a hot water heater if 4800 watts is being used and the temperature needs to be raised from 60 F to 120 F...

My work is below...

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv106/jason03_2009/hw1.jpg
 
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Jason03 said:
the problem I am working on asks to find how long it would take to heat 52 pounds of water in a hot water heater if 4800 watts is being used and the temperature needs to be raised from 60 F to 120 F...

My work is below...

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv106/jason03_2009/hw1.jpg

I'm not used to working in those units, but your approach looks sound. Did you get the correct answer? If not, try converting into mks units, and re-calculating to see what answer you get.
 
Yea I am used to SI units as well...I just worked with the units given since the conversions were given...I guess I could try it the other way to if I did it correctly
 
Jason03 said:
the problem I am working on asks to find how long it would take to heat 52 pounds of water in a hot water heater if 4800 watts is being used and the temperature needs to be raised from 60 F to 120 F...

My work is below...

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv106/jason03_2009/hw1.jpg

Is the water 52 pounds or 52 gallons?
 
good call...its 52 gallons.. but I did the correct conversion in my calculations...
 
Thanks!...Just checking to see if it was right...
 

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