Highschool Question on Thermal Equilibrium

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermal equilibrium problem involving the calculation of the latent heat of fusion for ice. The scenario includes mixing ice and water, with specific masses and temperatures provided for both substances, and aims to establish an equation that represents the energy transfers during the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of an equation to represent the thermal energy transfers, with attempts to express the heat absorbed by the ice and the heat released by the water. Questions arise regarding the validity of the equation and the implications of changing mass during the melting process.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct formulation of the thermal equilibrium equation. Some participants have provided similar expressions for the heat absorbed and released, while others question the relevance of mass changes during the melting of ice. The discussion remains open without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the changing mass of the ice as it melts and its impact on the equation setup. There is also mention of the absence of a solution in the textbook, which may influence the discussion dynamics.

chris1
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Hi guys,
I'm having a bit of trouble with following thermal equilibrium question...

Homework Statement



Create an equation representing energy transfers of thermal energy equilibrium, that will enable one to determine the latent heat of fusion for ice.

One conducts an experiment mixing ice and water in a jug, recording the changes in mass and temperature:

The mass of the ice used ( m_{i} ) = 0.10kg

The initial temperature of the ice ( T_{i} ) = -15°C

The initial mass of the water ( m_{w} ) = 0.45kg

The initial temperature of the water ( T_{w} ) = 23°C

Final Temperature of mixture ( T_{f} ) = 16°C

Specific heat capacity of water ( c_{w} ) = 4.2 kJ kg^{-1}°C^{-1}

Specific heat capacity of ice ( c_{i} ) = 2.1 kJ kg^{-1}°C^{-1}So one must set up an equation of thermal equilibrium, that will allow for the value for the latent heat of fusion of ice (l) can be determined.

Homework Equations


c = \frac{Q}{mΔT}

For changes of state:
Q = ml

The Attempt at a Solution



Here is my attempt of working it out:

(m_{i} * c_{i} * 15°C) + (m_{i} * l) + (m_{i+w} * c_{w} * 16°C) = (m_{i+w} * c_{w} * 7°C)

I know my solution isn't correct due to cancelling of terms but I don't know what to do to fix it. The answer isn't in the textbook either.

Thanks for the feedback guys :smile:
 
Last edited:
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heat absorbed by ice and the water due to fusion of ice will be

(mi * ci * 15°C) + (mi * l) + (mi * cw * 16°C)

and heat given up by initially hot water will be

(mw * cw * 7°C)
 
mukundpa said:
heat absorbed by ice and the water due to fusion of ice will be

(mi * ci * 15°C) + (mi * l) + (mi * cw * 16°C)

and heat given up by initially hot water will be

(mw * cw * 7°C)

So would that mean:

(mi * ci * 15°C) + (mi * l) + (mi * cw * 16°C) = (mw * cw * 7°C)

But wouldn't the mass on the right side of the equation be constantly changing as the ice melts, or is that irrelevant ?
 
chris1 said:
So would that mean:

(mi * ci * 15°C) + (mi * l) + (mi * cw * 16°C) = (mw * cw * 7°C)

But wouldn't the mass on the right side of the equation be constantly changing as the ice melts, or is that irrelevant ?

Imagine that the material comprising the original mass of the ice, and the mass comprising the original mass of the water are kept separate from one another by a thin invisible membrane. Both masses are allowed to thermally equilibrate with one another. Afterwards the membrane is removed.
 

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