The formula for calculating the mass of ice needed to cool a given amount of water to a specific temperature is: m = (800 mL)(1 g/mL)(0.0°C - T) / (1.00 g/mL)(0.5°C), where m is the mass of ice needed and T is the initial temperature of the water.
The specific heat of water is a constant value of 4.18 J/g°C. It is used in the calculation to convert the temperature difference into units of energy.
Yes, this calculation can be used for any amount of water and any desired temperature, as long as the units are consistent and the specific heat of water is 4.18 J/g°C.
The temperature change is divided by 0.5°C because it represents the heat that is needed to convert 1 g of ice at 0.0°C into 1 g of water at 0.0°C. This is known as the heat of fusion and is a constant value of 334 J/g.
Yes, there is a simpler way to calculate the mass of ice needed. It is: m = 800 mL x 0.5°C / 334 J/g. This formula can be used when the initial temperature of the water is already at 0.0°C and the desired temperature is also 0.0°C.