How Do You Determine the Rise in Temperature of a Rock Falling into Water?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving a rock falling into water and the resulting temperature change. The scenario includes a rock of mass 0.19 kg falling from a height of 15 m into a pail containing 0.37 kg of water, with both starting at the same temperature. Participants are exploring the conversion of mechanical energy to heat energy and the relevant equations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of mechanical energy, questioning how potential energy converts to kinetic energy and then to heat. There are attempts to clarify the equations for potential and kinetic energy, and some participants express uncertainty about the calculations involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the energy conversion process being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on using potential energy equations, while others are seeking more detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under a time constraint, with one expressing urgency due to a deadline. There is also a mention of ignoring the heat absorbed by the pail itself, which may affect the calculations.

copitlory8
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Thermodynamics

A rock of mass 0.19 kg falls from rest from a height of 15 m into a pail containing 0.37 kg of water. The rock and water have the same initial temperature. The specific heat capacity of the rock is 1885 J/(kg·C°). Ignore the heat absorbed by the pail itself, and determine the rise in the temperature of the rock and water.

I listed by knowns and unknowns. The rock is of mass .19kg and the distance is 15m. The mass of water is .37kg. The Tinitial is the same for both water ad rock. Heat capacity of the rock is 1885.

I have no idea how to solve this except that it involves using the formula Q=cm(delta T)

Please give me a solution. Thanks
 
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Assume that the mechanical energy of the rock is converted to heat.

ehild
 


so does this mean to use a mechanical energy equation.
 


Yes, assume that the mechanical energy of the rock is conserved during the fall. When it splashes into the water, the water is brought into chaotic motion and the energy of this motion is transformed into the energy of the random motion of molecules, that is, heat.
 


PE=mgh
KE= .5(m)(v)^2
E=PE+KE (I am not sure if this is the right equation for mechanical energy?)
 


copitlory8 said:
PE=mgh
KE= .5(m)(v)^2
E=PE+KE (I am not sure if this is the right equation for mechanical energy?)

You can use E=PE+KE for a certain position of the rock. If it is at rest at height of 15 m, does it have kinetic energy?
When it fall down to the ground what is the potential energy?

ehild
 


no kinetic energy
 


So what is the mechanical energy of the rock?

ehild
 


just potential energy
 
  • #10


copitlory8 said:
just potential energy
how much?

ehild
 
  • #11


now my head really hurts. i have no idea. can i get a detalied step by step solution. this thing is due by 6:00
 
  • #12


copitlory8 said:
A rock of mass 0.19 kg falls from rest from a height of 15 m into a pail containing 0.37 kg of water. The rock and water have the same initial temperature. The specific heat capacity of the rock is 1885 J/(kg·C°). Ignore the heat absorbed by the pail itself, and determine the rise in the temperature of the rock and water.

I listed by knowns and unknowns. The rock is of mass .19kg and the distance is 15m. The mass of water is .37kg. The Tinitial is the same for both water ad rock. Heat capacity of the rock is 1885.

I have no idea how to solve this except that it involves using the formula Q=cm(delta T)

Please give me a solution. Thanks

Since the height of fall is small, we can approximate with PE = mgh

Considering that all PE is converted to KE which subsequently converts to the total increase in heat energy,

PE = Heat(Rock) + Heat (Water
(0.19)(15)(9.81) = (0.19)(1885)(change temp) + 0.37(4200)(change temp)

By switching things around, you should get the answer.
 

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