Thermal Physics: Ice skating temperatures

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the coldest temperature at which good ice skating can occur, utilizing the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The problem involves concepts from thermal physics, particularly the phase transition of ice to water under pressure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and the significance of pressure and temperature in the melting of ice. There are attempts to calculate the pressure exerted by a skater and questions about the appropriate volumes to use in the equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and insights regarding the pressure and temperature relationship, while others question the assumptions about the melting process and the complexity of the physics involved. There is no explicit consensus on the final temperature estimate, but the discussion is progressing with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the unusual properties of water, such as the specific volumes of ice and liquid water, and the implications this has on the calculations. There is also mention of external sources that challenge common assumptions about ice skating.

H.fulls
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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?
 
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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.
 

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