Solving Entropy Change for 0.7 kg of Water in 12 Minutes

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the change in entropy for freezing 0.7 kg of water within a specified time frame of 12 minutes, considering the temperatures of the refrigeration unit and the surrounding environment. The problem is situated within the context of thermodynamics, specifically focusing on entropy change related to phase transitions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relevant equations for calculating entropy, with some questioning the interpretation of energy and entropy. There is a focus on the heat transfer rates and how they relate to the change in entropy.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on clarifying the equations used and the assumptions made regarding the system's behavior. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations involved, with different interpretations of the entropy change being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the calculation involves the latent heat of fusion and the mass of water, while also considering the constant temperature during the freezing process. There is an emphasis on the need to correctly account for the direction of heat flow and its impact on entropy.

pmg
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Suppose that you want to freeze 0.7 kg of water for a party, and only have 12 minutes to do it. The temperature inside the refrigeration unit is 273 K, and the temperature outside is Thot = 309 K. Since you are a brilliant UW student, assume that your refrigerator has the maximum possible efficiency. Assume also that the initial temperature of the water is 273 K. The Latent Heat of Fusion of water is 3.33×105 J/kg.

What is the change in entropy in the water per second in J/K s?

Homework Equations


change in entropy (S) = energy absorbed or expelled/constant temperature

The Attempt at a Solution



I have found that the Qhot/time =366.44J/sec
Qcold/time =323.75J/sec

By my understanding the delta S should = .7kg * 3.33E5 J/kg / (273K*720sec)
But 1.18 J/K*sec is not an accepted answer.
What am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try restating your relevant equation; entropy is not energy. Do this and the problem is straightforward.
 
Try showing us your intermediate steps. How did you get your Qs.

Also, your relevant equation looks okay to me (unless I am missing something). Since, S_2-S_1=\int_1^2\frac{\delta Q}{T}
Assuming constant T gives \Delta S=Q_{12}/T
 
pmg said:

Homework Statement


Suppose that you want to freeze 0.7 kg of water for a party, and only have 12 minutes to do it. The temperature inside the refrigeration unit is 273 K, and the temperature outside is Thot = 309 K. Since you are a brilliant UW student, assume that your refrigerator has the maximum possible efficiency. Assume also that the initial temperature of the water is 273 K. The Latent Heat of Fusion of water is 3.33×105 J/kg.

What is the change in entropy in the water per second in J/K s?

Homework Equations


change in entropy (S) = energy absorbed or expelled/constant temperature

The Attempt at a Solution



I have found that the Qhot/time =366.44J/sec
Qcold/time =323.75J/sec

By my understanding the delta S should = .7kg * 3.33E5 J/kg / (273K*720sec)
But 1.18 J/K*sec is not an accepted answer.
What am I doing wrong?
The entropy calculation does not involve mass. The mass determines the amount of heat that must be removed in order to freeze the water. You have correctly determined the rate of heat flow out of the water. Since temperature is constant it is a simple calculation to determine the change in entropy of the water per second.

AM
 
Thanks fellas,
By taking the Latent heat of fusion times the weight of water divided by the absolute temp and the time (3.33x10^5*.7kg/(273K*720sec) I was finding the right answer. I just needed to remember that by removing heat from the water, the entropy of the system was actually decreasing--and exothermic process. Making the anwser -1.18J/K*sec.
Thanks again.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K