Heat and final temperature question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the final temperature when two quantities of water at different temperatures are mixed. The specific context is thermal equilibrium and heat transfer principles in a calorimetry scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the heat transfer equation and the meaning of variables involved, particularly the final temperature (Tf) and specific heat capacity. There are attempts to manipulate the equation to find Tf and questions about the reasoning behind the setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen various attempts to clarify the equation setup and the meaning of terms. Some participants have provided guidance on interpreting the variables, while others have expressed confusion about the process. A participant has indicated a realization of a mistake in their initial setup, leading to a corrected approach.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the specific heat capacity and its application in the problem. The original poster has expressed frustration with understanding the equation and its components.

kitkat
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I am stuck on this problem...
What would be the final temperature when 100 g of 25 degree C water is mixed with 75 g of 40 degree C water?

I know that mc?T gained = mc? T lost
so (100g) (1.0 cal/g C) (Tf -25) = (75g) (1.0 cal/g C)(40 degrees - Tf)

Where do I go from here?
any push in the right direction would be great.

Kat
 
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100g/75g = 4/3 = (40 - Tf)/(Tf - 25).
If I push you for such a small thing you will fall down dear kid.
Generally take this as a formula when same object of different amounts at different temperatures are kept in contact with each other and the temperature of equilibrium temperature is asked - M1/M2 = dT1/dT2.

Anyway do you really need a push to solve the above equation?
 
i guess so

I guess I need to be hit in the head with a hammer cause I just can't "see" it.
My teacher gave me the following formula
(100g) (1.0 cal/g C) (Tf -25) = (75g) (1.0 cal/g C)(40 degrees - Tf)

and I just can't see first what the heck Tf stands for, where the 1.0 cal came from an how to solve it at all. I get to this point and then falter.
 
With regards to [itex]T_f[/itex] think about it logically. Go through each parameter in your equation. [itex]T_f[/itex] is the only unresolved variable and therefore must be the thing you are trying to calculate.

As for the 1 cal/g C, this is the specific heat capacity of water. It is usually given in the question or on a data sheet.
 
It was set up wrong!

I figured it out!
The problem should be set up like so:
(100g) (1.0 cal/g Co ) (Tf- 25 degrees) + (75g) (1.0 cal/g Co) (40 degrees - Tf) = 0
Resulting in this:

100Tf – 2500 + 75Tf – 3000 = 0
175Tf = 2500 + 3000
175Tf = 5500
175Tf/175 = 5500/175
Tf = 31.4

I knew something was missing! Yea! I'm not dumb! Thanks to those who tried to help.
Kat
 

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