# Homework Help: Refrigerator power rating and heat absorption

1. Jul 19, 2009

### nrweis

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A refrigerator is rated at 370 W. What is the maximum amount of heat it can absorb from the food compartment in 1 minute if the food compartment temperature is 0 deg C and it releases heat into a room at 20 degrees C.

2. Relevant equations

COP=Qc/W

W=Qh-Qc

3. The attempt at a solution

Now I have several questions about this one because my book does not expain at all how to do a problem like this. First of all I know that 370 W means 370 J/s but does that mean that all of that 370 Joules of energy is turned into work in trying to move heat from the cold reservoir to the hot reservoir? Also the only equations that I know are the ones listed above but i'm not even sure tht the second one is relevant because it is for heat engines not refrigerators. The book doesn't give a second equation for refrigerators. So how do I relate the temperatures of the different reservoirs to the Qh and Qc because this was not discussed either?

Pleeeeeeeeease help!!

2. Jul 19, 2009

### rock.freak667

This might help

$$COP=\frac{T_H}{T_H - T_C}$$

TH is the temp of the ambient surrounding
TC is the temp of the fridge.

3. Jul 19, 2009

### nrweis

Oh yes thank you

4. Jul 19, 2009

### nrweis

is W equal to the power rating?

5. Jul 19, 2009

### rock.freak667

I'd believe so,yes.