Heat of vaporization/final temperature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving the heat of vaporization of rubbing alcohol and its effect on the final temperature of an aluminum block. Participants analyze the calculations related to energy transfer during the evaporation process and the resulting temperature change of the aluminum block.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the energy required to vaporize 2.05g of rubbing alcohol and finds it to be 1.55 kJ.
  • The same participant applies the heat capacity formula to determine the temperature change of the aluminum block, initially concluding that the final temperature is 67.9 C.
  • Another participant suggests that the energy taken from the aluminum block should result in a decrease in temperature, implying that the final temperature should be lower than the initial temperature.
  • A later reply confirms that the temperature should indeed be subtracted from the initial temperature, indicating a misunderstanding in the initial approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the correct approach to calculating the final temperature, with some suggesting that the temperature should be subtracted rather than added. The discussion remains unresolved as participants refine their understanding of the energy transfer involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully clarify the assumptions behind their calculations, such as the specific heat capacity values or the conditions under which the energy transfer occurs. The discussion also does not resolve the implications of energy conservation in the context of the problem.

luffyiskind
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Homework Statement


Suppose that 2.05g of rubbing alcohol (60.90g/mol) evaporates from the surface of a 40.0g aluminum block. If the aluminum block is initially at 25 C, what is the final temp of the block after the vaporization of the alcohol?

Heat of vaporization for alcohol: 45.4 kJ/mol
Heat capacity of Al : 0.903 j/g*C

Homework Equations



q=m cs T

The Attempt at a Solution



I finished the problem but I got it wrong. Here are my steps.

Step 1: 2.05g alcohol x 1 mol / 60.09g x 45.4 kJ / 1 mol = 1.55 kJ

I did this step to find out how much energy was needed to vaporize the alcohol.

Step 2: 1550 J = 40 g x 0.903 j/g*c x delta T

solved for delta T and got 42.9 C

since 1.55 kJ was needed, this energy was taken from Al

Step 3: I added 42.9 C to the original 25 C to get 67.9 C

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What did I do wrong?
 
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luffyiskind said:
since 1.55 kJ was needed, this energy was taken from Al

Step 3: I added 42.9 C to the original 25 C to get 67.9 C

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What did I do wrong?


Reread these two steps over and over and over and over until you realize your mistake.

Hint:
" taken from Al"
taken
 
So I should have subtracted right? If so, I knew it! Dx
 
luffyiskind said:
So I should have subtracted right? If so, I knew it! Dx

Correct,
Remember any temperature above 0 K for an object technically has energy.
 

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