Thermal Physics: Ice skating temperatures

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the coldest temperature for effective ice skating using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Key parameters include the latent heat of ice melting at 334 kJ/kg, the skater's weight of 70 kg, and the contact area of 1 mm by 5 cm. The pressure exerted by the skater is calculated to be 1.372 x 107 kg/m2. The conclusion indicates that the temperature for optimal skating conditions is around -1.0 degrees Celsius, challenging the common belief that pressure alone causes ice to melt and enhance slipperiness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation
  • Knowledge of latent heat concepts
  • Familiarity with pressure and specific volume calculations
  • Basic thermodynamics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Clausius-Clapeyron equation in detail
  • Research the properties of water and ice, focusing on specific volumes
  • Explore the thermodynamic principles behind phase changes
  • Investigate the effects of pressure on melting points in various materials
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermal physics, physicists interested in phase transitions, and anyone involved in sports science related to ice skating performance.

H.fulls
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


It is said that good ice skating only occurs when the ice below the skates melts. Using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, estimate the coldest temperature at which good ice skating can occur. (Water expands 9% on freezing, Latent heat of ice melting is 334 kJ/Kg, the contact area is 1mm by 5cm and the skater weighs 70kg, water has a molar mass of 18g)


Homework Equations


\frac{dp}{dT} = \frac{L}{T(V_{2}-V_{1})}

or I think rearranged like this

p_{0}-p = \frac{L}{\DeltaV} ln\frac{T_{0}}{T}


The Attempt at a Solution


I have found the pressure exerted as 1.372 x 10^{7} kg/m^{2}
I realize that we want the ice to be melting.. so 273k at this pressure, so I need to find the temperature at normal room pressure of 101 KPa.
However I don't know what to use for the volume?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
H.fulls said:
\frac{dp}{dT} = \frac{L}{T(V_{2}-V_{1})}

or I think rearranged like this

p_{0}-p = \frac{L}{\Delta V} ln\frac{T_{0}}{T}

Often, you can get an accurate enough answer without integrating by treating the right hand side of the Claussius-Clapeyron equation as constant over the temperature changes involved. Then you can just write it as

\frac{\Delta p}{\Delta T} ≈ \frac{L}{T(V_{2}-V_{1})}
I have found the pressure exerted as 1.372 x 10^{7} kg/m^{2}
This looks correct except for how you expressed the units. Pressure is force per unit area, not mass per unit area.
However I don't know what to use for the volume?

The volumes ##V_1## and ##V_2## are "specific" volumes (i.e., volumes per kg of material). Note that water is odd in that the ##V_1## (for ice) is greater than ##V_2## (for liquid water).
 
... and the answer comes out around -1.0 degree ??
 
Agreed ... it is far more complex.
 

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
670
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K