Equilibrium temperature of a mixture

In summary: Your equation is attempting to describe the conservation of energy in this system, but it is not set up correctly. The left side represents the energy lost by the steam (Qout) and the right side represents the energy gained by the milk (Qin). The first term on the right side represents the energy the steam loses as it cools from 100°C to the temperature of the milk at 8°C, while the second term represents the energy gained by the milk as it is heated from 8°C to the final temperature T. The third term on the right side represents the energy the steam gives off when it condenses, and the last term on the right side represents the energy needed to heat the milk to the final temperature T. By
  • #1
frazdaz
13
1

Homework Statement


2vnhu85.png


Homework Equations


[tex]Q = m c \Delta T \\
Q = m L_v \\
Q_{in} = Q_{out}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]m_s c_s (100 - 8) + m_s L_v = m_s c_s (100 - T) + m_m c_s (T) \\
5778.06 + 33900 = 5778.06 - 62.805 T + 418.7 T \\
33900 = 355.895 T \\
∴ T = 95.25°C
[/tex]
Answer should be 90. This particular working is using 8°C as a base but I've with absolute temperatures and still got the same answer so I'm guessing my logic is flawed?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Your first equation doesn't appear to be set up correctly. The left side has two terms and the right side has two terms.

Can you describe in words the meaning of each of the four terms in the equation?
 
  • #3
TSny said:
Your first equation doesn't appear to be set up correctly. The left side has two terms and the right side has two terms.

Can you describe in words the meaning of each of the four terms in the equation?
Qin = extra thermal energy the steam has over the milk + heat to be released when the steam condenses
Qout = heat lost from the steam + heat gained by milk
 
  • #4
The term

m[itex]_{s}[/itex]c[itex]_{s}[/itex](100-8)

implies that the mass of steam cools from 100 C to the temperature of the milk at 8 C after the steam condenses. This is clearly not the case, as the mixture will assume some as yet unknown temperature, which is higher than 8 C once thermal equilibrium is reached.

Rather than use Q[itex]_{in}[/itex] = Q[itex]_{out}[/itex], which is somewhat vague for this type of problem, why not use instead Q[itex]_{lost-from-steam}[/itex] = Q[itex]_{gained-by-milk}[/itex]
 
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  • #5
for your question.

It is important to note that the equilibrium temperature of a mixture is dependent on the specific heat capacities and latent heats of the substances involved, as well as the initial temperatures and masses of each substance. In this case, your calculations seem to be correct, but the final answer of 95.25°C may not be accurate due to rounding errors or other factors. It would be helpful to double check your calculations and consider any other factors that may affect the final result. Additionally, it may be helpful to provide more context or information about the problem in order to accurately assess the validity of your solution.
 

1. What is the definition of equilibrium temperature of a mixture?

The equilibrium temperature of a mixture refers to the temperature at which all the substances in a mixture have reached thermal equilibrium, meaning they have the same average kinetic energy. At this point, there is no net heat transfer between the substances and the temperature remains constant.

2. How is equilibrium temperature of a mixture calculated?

The equilibrium temperature of a mixture can be calculated using the principle of conservation of energy, which states that the total energy of a closed system remains constant. This means that the sum of the heat gained by one substance is equal to the heat lost by the other substances in the mixture.

3. What factors affect the equilibrium temperature of a mixture?

The equilibrium temperature of a mixture is influenced by several factors, including the initial temperatures of the substances, their specific heat capacities, and the amounts of each substance present in the mixture. The rate of heat transfer between the substances also plays a role in determining the equilibrium temperature.

4. Can the equilibrium temperature of a mixture be higher than the initial temperature of any of the substances?

Yes, it is possible for the equilibrium temperature of a mixture to be higher than the initial temperature of any of the substances. This occurs when there is a significant difference in the specific heat capacities of the substances, and the substance with the lower specific heat capacity releases more heat than the others can absorb, leading to an increase in temperature.

5. How does the equilibrium temperature change when a substance is added to or removed from a mixture?

When a substance is added to a mixture, the equilibrium temperature will change depending on the temperature and amount of the added substance. If the added substance has a higher temperature than the mixture, the equilibrium temperature will increase. On the other hand, if the added substance has a lower temperature, the equilibrium temperature will decrease. Similarly, removing a substance from a mixture will also affect the equilibrium temperature in the same manner.

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