Chemistry- Basic Energy Transfer Questions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the thermodynamics of ice melting and energy transfer in phase changes. It clarifies that no temperature change occurs during the melting of ice at 0 degrees Celsius due to the energy being used to break intermolecular bonds rather than increase temperature. The conversation also highlights that smaller pieces of ice receive less energy per unit time compared to larger pieces, as energy transfer occurs through the surface area of the ice. Additionally, it emphasizes that the temperature of the mixture remains at equilibrium at 0 degrees Celsius while ice is melting, preventing any temperature increase.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles
  • Knowledge of phase changes in matter
  • Familiarity with intermolecular forces and chemical bonds
  • Basic concepts of heat transfer and energy equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of latent heat and its role in phase changes
  • Explore the relationship between surface area and heat transfer in melting processes
  • Study the principles of thermal equilibrium in mixtures of solids and liquids
  • Learn about the kinetic molecular theory and its application to phase transitions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of chemistry, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of energy transfer during phase changes in matter.

uestions
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Why does no temperature change occur while ice is melting? Specifially, when very little ice is left, how does so much water remain at 0 degrees celsius?

Is the energy transfer (of heat) to ice constant? Specifically, does the time range in an exponential manner for different sizes of ice to melt? (Say a large chunk of ice is put over a flame. When it gets to be 1/6 of its original size form melting, does the liquid water surrounding the cube transfer more energy to the small cube because there is so much water to give energy that at the beginning of melting when there was less water?)

When given the explanation "the heat energy breaks down the bonds that hold the particles together," what does "break down" mean? (Does the heat cause particles to move with so much force that they escape attraction, or does heat actually destroy some chemical bond holding solid water particles together?)

Is the temperature of ice water an average of the liquid water and ice (i.e. ice = -0.5 degrees celsius and water = 0.5 degrees celsius) or are ice and water both have averages of 0 degrees celsius and therefore average to 0 degrees?



I thought about this stuff and looked online, but all answers were the same. I think velocity has to do with causing phase change, and I'm missing something in understanding the lack of temperature change. All I can think of is the liquid water particles collide with ice and transfer energy to ice causing ice to melt. But, them the melting times for different sizes of ice wouldn't be constant because with more ice melted, there would be more water to transfer energy, and then the small ice chunk would melt quicker. On the same point, chemistry equations and heating curves state otherwise.
As for temperature, I think again the thermall energy form the liquid water particles would "transfer" to solid water particles, the solid then gaining phase energy.
Anyone willing to help?
 
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uestions said:
Say a large chunk of ice is put over a flame. When it gets to be 1/6 of its original size form melting, does the liquid water surrounding the cube transfer more energy to the small cube because there is so much water to give energy that at the beginning of melting when there was less water?

Quite the opposite - smaller piece of ice gets less energy per unit of time than the large one, as as energy transfer takes place through the ice surface, and smaller piece has a smaller surface than the large one.

Does the heat cause particles to move with so much force that they escape attraction, or does heat actually destroy some chemical bond holding solid water particles together?

Is there a difference between both scenarios?

When we say the bath has a temperature of 0°C we refer to the equilibrium situation, when the amount of ice in the mixture is staying constant. As long as the ice is melting, water temperature can be not not zero. Otherwise, if they had both exactly the same temperature there would be by definition no energy transfer - so no melting would be possible.
 
Thank you!
 
The difference between scenarios is ice particles pull themselves apart compared to a bond "disintegrating" and then particles are free to separate.
 

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