Thermal Physics Problem: Finding Final Temperature of a Water-Ice Mixture

In summary, an insulated beaker with negligible mass contains liquid water with a mass of 0.350kg and a temperature of 76.3 degrees celsius. If you want to bring the temperature of the system up to 35.5 degrees celsius, you must drop 0.12kg of ice into the water.
  • #1
~angel~
150
0
Please help.

An insulated beaker with negligible mass contains liquid water with a mass of 0.350kg and a temperature of 76.3 degrees celsius.

How much ice at a temperature of −18.1 degrees celsius must be dropped into the water so that the final temperature of the system will be 35.5 degrees celsius?

Take the specific heat for liquid water to be 4190 J/kg.K, the specific heat for ice to be 2100 J/kg.K}, and the heat of fusion for water to be 334kJ/kg.

My final answer was 0.12kg, , but the feedback i received was "you are close". I can't seem to get the right answer for it. Please help.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Please help.
 
  • #3
If you were close to the answer, explain us the steps of your reasoning.
 
  • #4
okie dokie... i did m_ice*c_ice*(0--18.1)+ m_ice*L+ m_ice*c_ice*(35.5-0) *m_water*c_water*(35.5-76.3).

I think my mistake may have been with the heat capacity of the ice. I think i need to put 4190 instead of 2100 when the ice is melted.
 
  • #5
Yep, you're close to the answer, except two things. First, substract the lower temperature from the higher temperature. Second, your mistake, after the ice has melted don't use c(ice) any more, but c(water).
 
  • #6
But shouldn't the change in temp be t_final-t_initial?
 
  • #7
~angel~ said:
But shouldn't the change in temp be t_final-t_initial?

Ok, it depends on the context where you use it. I was thinking that you were using the equality [tex]Q_{gained} = Q_{lost}[/tex], meaning that the heat gained by ice is equal to the heat lost by water. T_final - T_initial would make the RHS negative.
On the other hand, if you use [tex]Q_{gained} + Q_{lost} = 0[/tex] it is ok to use as you did, assuming that the lost energy is negative.
 
  • #8
If you are referring to water, i think it is menat to be a negative number, because I'm using the mastering physics thing, and it says it's correct.

Thanks for your help.
 

1. What is thermal physics?

Thermal physics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of the behavior and properties of matter at the microscopic level, particularly with regards to temperature, heat, and their effects on physical systems.

2. What are some common examples of thermal physics problems?

Examples of thermal physics problems include calculating the thermal expansion of materials, analyzing heat transfer in various systems, and determining the specific heat capacity of substances.

3. What is the difference between heat and temperature?

Heat and temperature are related but distinct concepts. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance, while heat is the transfer of energy from a hotter object to a colder one.

4. How is thermal equilibrium achieved?

Thermal equilibrium is achieved when two objects in contact with each other reach the same temperature. This occurs because heat is transferred from the object with higher temperature to the one with lower temperature until they both reach the same temperature.

5. How is thermal physics applied in everyday life?

Thermal physics has many practical applications in everyday life, such as in the design of heating and cooling systems, cooking and food preservation, and the study of weather patterns. It also plays a crucial role in technological advancements, such as in the development of thermometers, refrigerators, and engines.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
955
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
5K
Back
Top