Calculating Change in Entropy for Water Turning into Steam

In summary, the correct change in entropy for the given scenario is 6325 J/K, which is obtained by using the formula ΔS=m c ln(T2/T1) for the heating process and ΔS=mL/T2 for the vaporization process. The answer key provided is incorrect.
  • #1
physgrl
138
0

Homework Statement



Suppose that 1 kg of water, initially at 350 K, is turned into steam at 373 K. What is the change in entropy? (Lv = 2.26 x 106 J/kg; cwater = 4186 J/(kg Co)

a. 6060 J/K
b. 6070 J/K
c. 6320 J/K
d. 6330 J/K

Homework Equations



ΔS=ΔQ/T
Q=mcΔT
Q=mL

The Attempt at a Solution



heat is needed to get the water to the boiling point 100C or 373K and then heat is needed
to vaporize the water

ΔS=(mcΔT+mL)/T
ΔS=(1kg*4186J/kg*23K+1kg*2.26x10^6)/373
ΔS=6320

and the answer key says it is supposed to be 6070
what am I doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
Hi physgrl! :smile:

The temperature changes while heating.
This means that your formula ΔS=ΔQ/T is not right.
You need to integrate for that part of the process: ΔS=∫dQ/T
 
  • #3
What is the right formula?
 
  • #4
For the part where the water is heating up, you should use:

ΔS=∫dQ/T

substitute dQ=m c dT

and integrate from T1=350 K to T2=373 K


Do you know how to do that?
 
  • #5
No sory idk how to integrate yet
 
  • #6
All right. In that case you should have the following formula as a given.
[tex]\Delta S=m c \ln({T_2 \over T_1})[/tex]

Do you have that somewhere on a formula sheet or something?
 
  • #7
Nop...i didnt have it. But with that formula how would I include the energy from the vaporization?
 
  • #8
physgrl said:
Nop...i didnt have it. But with that formula how would I include the energy from the vaporization?

Since T is constant for vaporization at T2=373 K, the change in entropy is what you already had:
[tex]\Delta S={m L \over T_2}[/tex]
 
  • #9
Ohh ok so the total would be the sum of the mcln(t1/t2)+mL/t2
 
  • #10
Almost.
You seem to have reversed the temperatures in the formula.
 
  • #11
Ohh ok...thanks :)
 
  • #12
So... did you get the right answer?
 
  • #13
I did it and got 6325 but the answer key says 6070 still
 
  • #14
I just calculated it myself and I also get 6325.
So I suspect your answer key is wrong.

Let me check with the specialists and I'll get back to you.
 
  • #15
:) ok
 
  • #16
I just got a response back from my esteemed colleague and specialist in the field, vela, who says, and I quote:
vela said:
The answer key appears to be wrong.
 
  • #17
Hehe okay thank you :)
 

1. What is entropy in steam?

Entropy is a thermodynamic property that measures the level of disorder or randomness in a system. In steam, entropy represents the amount of energy dispersed or unavailable for work due to the chaotic movement of particles.

2. How does the change in temperature affect the entropy of steam?

As temperature increases, the entropy of steam also increases. This is because the molecules in steam have more kinetic energy and move more rapidly, resulting in a higher level of disorder in the system.

3. What is the relationship between entropy and phase change in steam?

During a phase change, such as boiling or condensation, the entropy of steam remains constant. This is because the energy is being used to change the phase of the substance rather than increasing the disorder of the system.

4. How does pressure affect the entropy of steam?

When pressure is applied to steam, the molecules become more closely packed together, resulting in a decrease in volume and a decrease in entropy. However, if the temperature remains constant, the entropy will remain the same.

5. How does the change in volume affect the entropy of steam?

In general, as the volume of steam increases, the entropy also increases. This is because the molecules have more space to move around and become more disordered. However, if the temperature and pressure are held constant, the change in volume will not affect the entropy of steam.

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