How Does Entropy Change When Tea Cools?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the change in entropy of water as it cools from 89.0 °C to room temperature (20.0 °C) and the corresponding change in entropy of the air, assuming heat transfer occurs between the two. The context is centered around thermodynamic principles related to heat transfer and entropy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different methods for calculating entropy change, referencing previous solutions and questioning the appropriateness of using latent heat in this context. There is confusion regarding the correct temperature change to use in the calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to the problem, with some participants advocating for one method over another. A specific temperature change has been identified, but there is no clear consensus on the correct calculation method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using the correct dimensions for entropy and highlight potential errors in previous calculations. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the application of certain equations in the absence of a phase change.

rizardon
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Homework Statement


You make tea with 0.250 kg of 89.0 °C water and let it cool to room temperature (20.0 °C) before drinking it.

1)Calculate the entropy change of the water while it cools.
2)The cooling process is essentially isothermal for the air in your kitchen. Calculate the change in entropy of the air while the tea cools, assuming that all the heat lost by the water goes into the air.


Homework Equations


Q = m*L_f (L_f = 3.34*10^5 J/kg)
Q = m*c*(delta)T


The Attempt at a Solution



This question was posted before and this is the link
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=200594

My problem is when I tried the suggested method by Andrew, what I got was
delta(S) = (0.25)(4,186)(342)/293
= 1221.5J
whereas if I used the edited solution by danni I get 244J which is given by the book.

If danni's way is correct, then could you please explain why we have to use the latent heat equation when the question doesn't involve a change in the state of the object.

Thank You
 
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One first thing: The dimension of S is J/K, not J! Be careful, it would cost you a lot of points :cry:
Danni was incorrect, Andrew was the right one. The formula was right, the only thing wrong is that you (and Danny) calculated the wrong \Delta T_{tea}.
 
I get it! (delta)T is 69K right?
 
Yup :approve:
 

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