Help with this thermodynamics and entropy question please

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving an insulated aluminum cup and water reaching thermal equilibrium. Participants are focused on calculating the total change in entropy after determining the final temperature of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the calculation of entropy change, specifically questioning the factors used in the logarithmic expressions. There is an emphasis on understanding the derivation of these factors and their implications on the results.

Discussion Status

Some participants are comparing their calculations and expressing confusion over specific values and ratios used in the entropy calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of the reasoning behind these values, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are noting the importance of precision in temperature measurements, particularly regarding the conversion between Celsius and Kelvin. There is also mention of differing interpretations of the ratios involved in the calculations.

takelight2
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Homework Statement
A 124.4 g insulated aluminum cup at 18.46 ∘C is filled with 130.0 g of water at 46.91∘C. After a few minutes, equilibrium is reached.

a. Determine the final temperature. (completed)

b. Determine the total change in entropy.
Relevant Equations
Q=mcT
So I've answered the first question and I got a final temp of 42.06 Celsius.

Now for this second one, I don't know why I am getting it wrong:

Im doing 0.215*ln(315.06/291.46) + 1*ln(315.06/319.91)

But it says I am wrong. What about my process is faulty?
 
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takelight2 said:
Homework Statement:: A 124.4 g insulated aluminum cup at 18.46 ∘C is filled with 130.0 g of water at 46.91∘C. After a few minutes, equilibrium is reached.

a. Determine the final temperature. (completed)

b. Determine the total change in entropy.
Relevant Equations:: Q=mcT

So I've answered the first question and I got a final temp of 42.06 Celsius.

Now for this second one, I don't know why I am getting it wrong:

Im doing 0.215*ln(315.06/291.46) + 1*ln(315.06/319.91)

But it says I am wrong. What about my process is faulty?
Please fill in the details of how you get the factors 0.215 and 1.
 
Also, to be pedantic, if you are working to hundredths of a degree, 0°C is 273.15K, not 273.00, though doubtless it makes very little difference to your answer.
 
haruspex said:
Please fill in the details of how you get the factors 0.215 and 1.
Yes, I differ from these values (and more importantly, from their ratio). Instead of the 0.215, I get 112 J/K, and, instead of the 1, I get 544 J/K.
 
rude man said:
My numbers agree with @Chestermiller.
(But I don't get the 'ratio' part).
Thanks Rudy. I don't either. I was mistaken about that.
 
Chestermiller said:
Thanks Rudy. I don't either. I was mistaken about that.
Actually, I thought you meant the limits of integration which turn out to be ratios after the integration, but separately for the water and the cup.
 
rude man said:
Actually, I thought you meant the limits of integration which turn out to be ratios after the integration, but separately for the water and the cup.
Nope. I mistakenly meant the ratio of the MC's.
 

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