Is the Kinetic Energy of Water at 0°C Greater Than Ice at 0°C?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of the average kinetic energy of water and ice at 0 °C, particularly focusing on the implications of temperature and phase changes on kinetic and potential energy.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between temperature, kinetic energy, and potential energy, questioning how latent heat affects these energies during phase changes.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the nature of potential energy and its relationship with kinetic energy during phase transitions. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions of kinetic and potential energy, particularly in the context of melting ice and the application of latent heat. There is uncertainty regarding the energy transformations involved in these processes.

TT0
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Homework Statement


The average kinetic energy of water at 0 °C is __________ the average kinetic energy of ice at 0 °C.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I said that it is greater than because when ice melts, energy is added to break the potential energy (bonds). I also know that average kinetic energy is directly linked to temperature so if they are at the same temperature, the average kinetic energy should be the same. The thing that is confusing me is that when the latent heat of fusion is applied to the ice, it breaks the bonds so it releases the potential energy so shouldn't the kinetic energy of water be higher than ice?

Cheers!
 
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TT0 said:
I said that it is greater than because when ice melts, energy is added to break the potential energy (bonds).
Isn't that adding potential energy?

When a thermometer measures temperature, what is it actually responding to?
 
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It is responding to the kinetic energy, but when the latent heat of fusion is applied, doesn't it break the bonds so therefore the potential energy would decrease? I am pretty sure this is wrong but I don't understand why. For example I think water has a lot of potential energy in its bonds and this potential energy is lost when it turns into gas because the bonds are broken. The potential energy is transferred into something which I am not sure of. Please help, thanks!
 
TT0 said:
It is responding to the kinetic energy, but when the latent heat of fusion is applied, doesn't it break the bonds so therefore the potential energy would decrease? I am pretty sure this is wrong but I don't understand why. For example I think water has a lot of potential energy in its bonds and this potential energy is lost when it turns into gas because the bonds are broken. The potential energy is transferred into something which I am not sure of. Please help, thanks!
You have the changes in PE backwards. To break a bond you have to inject energy, just as you have to supply energy to send a rocket up, overcoming the attraction of the earth. The PE increases.
 
I see thanks!
 

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