Simple thermodynamics to be verified

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the energy required to melt 1mm^3 of carbon steel, taking into account the melting temperature (1535 C) and specific heat per unit volume (C_v). The initial answer provided is incorrect as it does not factor in the latent heat of fusion, which is needed to convert the solid metal to liquid without a further rise in temperature. The conversation ends with the acknowledgement of this missing component and gratitude for the help.
  • #1
lidstrompl
6
0
Hi everybody. I need to calculate the energy required to melt 1mm^3 of carbon steel which is initially at 20 degrees C. Knowing the melting temp (1535 C) and the specific heat per unit volume (C_v), can I calculate my energy (Q) as follows?:

Q=C_v*(1535-23) = my answer

Or is it wrong??

Regards, and thanks for help.
 
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  • #2
Your answer is wrong. Not only must you heat the solid metal to that temperature, but you must add additional energy, the latent heat of fusion, to convert it from solid to liquid yet with no further rise in temperature.
 
  • #3
NascentOxygen said:
Your answer is wrong. Not only must you heat the solid metal to that temperature, but you must add additional energy, the latent heat of fusion, to convert it from solid to liquid yet with no further rise in temperature.

Thanks very much. That's what I thought I was missing, but I wasn't sure.

Regards
 

FAQ: Simple thermodynamics to be verified

1. What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the study of how energy is transformed from one form to another, and how it affects the properties of matter.

2. What is the first law of thermodynamics?

The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transformed from one form to another.

3. What is the second law of thermodynamics?

The second law of thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer or transformation, some energy will always be lost as heat. This is also known as the law of entropy.

4. How do you calculate entropy?

Entropy, which measures the amount of disorder in a system, can be calculated using the formula S = klnW, where S is the entropy, k is the Boltzmann constant, and W is the number of microstates.

5. What is the difference between open, closed, and isolated systems in thermodynamics?

An open system can exchange both matter and energy with its surroundings, a closed system can only exchange energy, and an isolated system cannot exchange either matter or energy with its surroundings.

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