Thermal Physics: Ice skating temperatures

AI Thread Summary
Good ice skating occurs when the ice beneath the skates melts, which can be estimated using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The discussion involves calculating the coldest temperature for effective skating, factoring in the pressure exerted by a 70 kg skater and the latent heat of ice melting. Participants clarify the need for specific volumes of ice and water in the calculations, noting that the pressure exerted is approximately 1.372 x 10^7 kg/m^2. The conclusion suggests that the temperature for optimal skating is around -1.0 degrees Celsius, challenging the common belief that pressure alone causes ice to melt and create a slippery surface. Overall, the topic highlights the complexity of the physics involved in 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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