Change in internal energy when water is heated from 0 to 4c

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SUMMARY

The change in internal energy (ΔU) of 2 kg of water heated from 0°C to 4°C is calculated using the specific heat capacity of water at 4200 J/kg·K. The work done (W) is determined by the equation W = PΔV, where P is the atmospheric pressure of 105 Pa. The heat added (Q) is calculated as Q = m·s·ΔT, resulting in Q = 33600 J. The final expression for ΔU is ΔU = Q - W, leading to a value of 33600 + 0.02 J, although the correction of 0.02 J is deemed insignificant due to the precision of the specific heat capacity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, specifically the first law of thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with specific heat capacity calculations.
  • Knowledge of pressure-volume work in thermodynamic systems.
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate equations involving internal energy and enthalpy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the first law of thermodynamics in detail, focusing on internal energy and work calculations.
  • Learn about the significance of significant figures in thermodynamic calculations.
  • Explore the relationship between internal energy and enthalpy in thermodynamic processes.
  • Investigate the effects of temperature changes on the properties of water and other substances.
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Students studying thermodynamics, physics educators, and professionals in engineering fields who require a solid understanding of energy changes in heating processes.

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Homework Statement

: [/B]Find the change in internal energy of 2kg water as it is heated from 0°C to 4°C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200J/Kg and its densities at 0°C and 4°C are 999.9 kg/m3 and 1000kg/m3 respectively.
Atm pressure=105Pa

Homework Equations

:ΔU= Q-W
W=PΔV
M/V=D[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution

:[/B]
ΔW = PΔV
P=105Pa

ΔV= M(1/D2-1/D1)
Plugging the values we get W=-0.02(Volume is decreasing...so definitel W should be negative)
Q=m.s.ΔT
= (2)(4200)(4)=33600
So
ΔU= 33600- (-0.02)
= 33600 + 0.02 J
But the answer is given
33600- 0.02
 
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Your answer of (33600 + 0.02) J looks correct to me.
 
TSny said:
Your answer of (33600 + 0.02) J looks correct to me.
then it must be a printing error...right?
 
Since you are only given the heat capacity to 2 sig figs, correcting the answer by 0.02 seems pointless. But perhaps it's worth demonstrating that it's insignificant?
 
mjc123 said:
Since you are only given the heat capacity to 2 sig figs, correcting the answer by 0.02 seems pointless. But perhaps it's worth demonstrating that it's insignificant?
I'm sorry I didnt get you.
 
Unless otherwise indicated, 4200 means "between 4150 and 4250". Which means Q is between 33200 and 34000 J. With this imprecision, it is meaningless to talk of a correction of 0.02 J.
 
mjc123 said:
Unless otherwise indicated, 4200 means "between 4150 and 4250". Which means Q is between 33200 and 34000 J. With this imprecision, it is meaningless to talk of a correction of 0.02 J.
oh..ok..I thought you were giving a hint on how to approach the sum
 
My take on this problem is different. If the initial state is 2 kg water at 0 C and 1 atm, and the final state is 2 kg of water of 4 C and 1 atm, then the path between these two states is irrelevant (since U is a function only of state). Assuming that the specific heat capacity given in the problem statement is ##C_p##, the change in enthalpy between the two states is given by:$$\Delta H=mC_p\Delta T$$The change in internal energy between the two states follows from the definition of the change in enthalpy: $$\Delta H=\Delta U+\Delta (PV)=\Delta U+P_{atm}\Delta V$$So, combining these equations, we get $$\Delta U=mC_p\Delta T -P_{atm}\Delta V$$My point is, there is no need to directly apply the first law of thermodynamics to solve this problem.
 

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