Thermal equilibrium with water and ice

In summary, a 3.8 kg block of copper at 72C is dropped into a bucket containing a mixture of ice and water with a total mass of 1.2 kg. The final temperature of the water is 8C, and the heat gained by the water is equal to the heat lost by the copper block. Due to the assumption of thermal equilibrium, the ice and water in the bucket are at the same temperature, meaning the temperature of the mixture is 8C. However, since the initial temperature of the water is unknown, it is not possible to determine the mass of ice present in the bucket.
  • #1
louisfrancois
1
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A 3.8 kg block of copper at a temperature of 72C is dropped into a bucket containing a mixture of ice and water whose total mass is 1.2 kg. when thermal equilibrium is reached, the temperature of the water is 8C. How much ice was in the bucket before the copper block was placed in it? (Neglect heat capacity of the bucket).

Heat gained=heat lost
Mice(Lf)+(Mwater)(Cwater)(Teq-Ti)=(Mcopper)(Ccopper)(Ti-Teq)

then i tried to solve for the mass of the ice, but the Ti of water is also unknown so I could not solve it. Also, it said to ignore the heat capacity of the bucket,so i left it out of the equation completely.

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
the Ti of water is also unknown
Think about the statement "a mixture of ice and water". Assuming the ice and water are in thermal equilibrium - what is the temperature? We have two phases solid and liquid at the same temperature, which is . . . ?
 
  • #3


Based on the given information, it is not possible to determine the amount of ice in the bucket before the copper block was placed in it. This is because the initial temperature of the water (Ti) is unknown and is needed to solve for the mass of ice. Additionally, the heat capacity of the bucket was neglected, which could also affect the final temperature of the water.

To accurately calculate the amount of ice in the bucket, the temperature of the water before the copper block was added and the heat capacity of the bucket would need to be known. Without this information, it is not possible to determine the mass of ice in the bucket.
 

FAQ: Thermal equilibrium with water and ice

1. What is thermal equilibrium?

Thermal equilibrium is a state in which two objects or substances have the same temperature and there is no net flow of heat between them.

2. How does water reach thermal equilibrium with ice?

When placed in contact with each other, water and ice will exchange heat until they reach the same temperature. This process is called thermal equilibration.

3. Why is thermal equilibrium important for water and ice?

Thermal equilibrium is important for water and ice because it allows for the maintenance of a stable temperature. This is crucial for many biological processes and for the survival of aquatic organisms.

4. What factors can affect thermal equilibrium between water and ice?

The main factors that can affect thermal equilibrium between water and ice are the temperature difference between the two substances, the thermal conductivity of the materials, and the surface area of contact.

5. How is thermal equilibrium between water and ice measured?

Thermal equilibrium between water and ice can be measured using a thermometer to determine the temperature of both substances before and after they have been in contact for a period of time. When the temperatures are equal, thermal equilibrium has been reached.

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