# Thermal energy question

1. Jun 5, 2007

### AlanxD

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

Assuming that the snow is -4 degrees celcius and that the water is dumped at +4 degrees celcius, calculate the amount of heat energy required to operate a metromelt for one hour.

2. Relevant equations

Q=mct
Q=mLf *little f*

3. The attempt at a solution

I couldn't see how i would arrive the answer but i knw the Ti=-4 degrees celcius and Tf=4 degrees celcius and melting point is 0 degrees celcius.
I want a step-by-step solution.

Last edited: Jun 5, 2007
2. Jun 5, 2007

### AlanxD

Can anyone help me for this Thermal energy question?

3. Jun 5, 2007

### G01

You haven't really shown much work. Either way, no one is going to give you a complete solution here. We'll help YOU do YOUR homework, not do it for you.

With that said, I'll try to HELP you. HINT:I think your going to need to know how much snow the metro melt melts in an hour. Do you know this, or can you find it?

4. Jun 5, 2007

### AlanxD

"The Metromelt is capable of melting 150,000 kg of snow in one hour."

5. Jun 5, 2007

### G01

OK, cool! Now using that information can you find how much heat you need to melt that snow in 1 hour? HINT: What will $$\Delta T_{snow}$$ be?

6. Jun 5, 2007

### AlanxD

Isn't it Tf-Ti? Which is Tf=4 degrees celcius and Ti=-4 degrees celcius but isnt boiling point included at 0 degrees celcius?

7. Jun 5, 2007

### G01

Yes $$\Delta T = T_f-T_i$$

Now find the heat energy it takes to heat up the ice, and the latent heat here, add them up, and that should be your answer!

Good luck!

8. Jun 6, 2007

### AlanxD

Ya tks. I found the answer of 5.4X10 to the power of 10.

9. Jun 6, 2007

### G01

No Problem! Good Job!

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