Refrigerator Problem- Could you check my answer?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the coefficient of performance (COP) of a refrigerator based on the energy required to chill water from 20 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. The original poster attempts to determine the COP using the work input and heat extracted from the cold reservoir.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations made by the original poster, noting the conversion of power to energy and the application of the formula for COP. Some question the interpretation of the results, particularly regarding the efficiency and the nature of the COP compared to thermal efficiency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants affirming the correctness of the calculations while also expressing confusion about the implications of the results. Clarifications regarding the distinction between coefficient of performance and efficiency are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential misinterpretation of the problem statement, with participants questioning whether the original question was quoted correctly. Additionally, one participant reflects on their own understanding of thermodynamics, indicating a possible lapse in memory regarding the concepts involved.

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Homework Statement


1 L of 20 degree C water is placed in a refrigerator. The refrigerator's motor must supply an extra 8 W to chill the water to 5 degrees C in 1 hr. What is the refrigerator's coefficient of performance?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



8W = 8 J/s * 3600 s = 28,800 J -- this is the work in - Win

1L of H20 has mass 1kg and c=4190 J/kgK

so Q=(1Kg)(4190)(-15) = -62850 J --- this is the heat extracted from cold reservoir - Qc

K= Qc/Win so K = 62850J/28800J K= 2.18
 
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sorry, didn't mean to post the same question twice
 
From what I can see your solution is correct, however the answer is nonsensical: a 200% efficiency?! Are you sure that the question is quoted correctly?
 
Hi Hootenanny,

Hootenanny said:
From what I can see your solution is correct, however the answer is nonsensical: a 200% efficiency?! Are you sure that the question is quoted correctly?

The question was not asking for efficiency; it asked for the coefficient of performance, which can be greater than 1 for a refrigerator (and should be greater than 1 for a good refrigerator).
 
alphysicist said:
Hi Hootenanny,

The question was not asking for efficiency; it asked for the coefficient of performance, which can be greater than 1 for a refrigerator (and should be greater than 1 for a good refrigerator).
Oh my word, it's been a while since I've worked with any thermo :blushing:. My apologies, of course the COP isn't the same as the thermal efficiency.

I guess I should stop posting so late at night :zzz:.
 
Last edited:

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