Thermodynamics (final temperature, ice mixed with steam)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the final temperature of a mixture of 10 kg of ice at 0 degrees Celsius and 2 kg of steam at 100 degrees Celsius. The correct approach involves considering the latent heat of phase changes and specific heats of the substances involved. The calculations show that the heat released by the steam during condensation and the heat absorbed by the ice during melting must be balanced to find the equilibrium temperature. The final temperature of the mixture is determined to be 40 degrees Celsius.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of specific heat capacities, specifically for ice (2060 J/kg·°C) and steam (2020 J/kg·°C).
  • Knowledge of latent heat values: melting of water (3.33x10^5 J/kg) and boiling of water (2.26x10^6 J/kg).
  • Familiarity with the principles of thermodynamics, particularly energy conservation in phase changes.
  • Ability to set up and solve equations involving heat transfer (Q=MCΔT).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of latent heat and its role in phase changes, particularly in water.
  • Learn how to apply the principle of conservation of energy in thermodynamic systems.
  • Explore more complex thermodynamic problems involving multiple phase changes and heat exchanges.
  • Investigate the differences between steam and water vapor in thermodynamic contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, physics educators, and anyone involved in heat transfer calculations or phase change analysis.

SigFig
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Homework Statement



If 10-kg of ice at 0 degrees Celsius is added to 2-kg of steam at 100 degrees Celsius, the temperature of the resulting mixture is? Use Joules. ANSWER: 40


Homework Equations



Specific Heats:
Ice = 2060
Steam = 2020

Latent Heats:
Water melting = 3.33x10^5
Water boiling = 2.26x10^6


The Attempt at a Solution


Q1=mL
Q1=10(3.34x10^5)
Q1=3.34x10^6

Q2=(2)(2.26x10^6)
Q2=4.52x10^6

Q2-Q1=1.18x10^6

Q=MCΔT
1.18x10^6 = (2+10)(4180)(T-0)
1.18x10^6 = 5.0x10^4T
T=23.6

Sadly 23.6 =/= 40
I've been trying to do this problem for over an hour now using every method I remember, stumped.
 
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I'm confused by the question. Steam is a suspension of water droplets in air, basically a cloud. Presumably you mean water vapour not steam?

In this system there will a phase change from ice to water that costs an amount of latent heat. There will also be a phase change from vapour to liquid, which releases an amount of latent heat.

Perhaps it is easier to think about in too stages. 1) The vapour releases its latent heat and becomes water. This heat is sufficient to provide the latent heat required to melt the ice to water at 0C, and then heat up the mass of water that was ice. So finally you're left with two blobs of water, 2kg at 100C and 10kg at some temperature above 0C.

The second stage (that you missed out): the temperature of the two water masses equilibrate.
 
SigFig said:

Homework Statement



If 10-kg of ice at 0 degrees Celsius is added to 2-kg of steam at 100 degrees Celsius, the temperature of the resulting mixture is? Use Joules. ANSWER: 40


Homework Equations



Specific Heats:
Ice = 2060
Steam = 2020

Latent Heats:
Water melting = 3.33x10^5
Water boiling = 2.26x10^6
Don't forget your units.

The Attempt at a Solution


Q1=mL
Q1=10(3.34x10^5)
Q1=3.34x10^6

Q2=(2)(2.26x10^6)
Q2=4.52x10^6

Q2-Q1=1.18x10^6
This is correct so far, :approve: except for the lack of units.
Q=MCΔT
1.18x10^6 = (2+10)(4180)(T-0)
Your approach *would* be correct, *if* the entire 12 kg of [liquid] water started from 0 deg C, and increased its temperature from there. But that's not the case for this problem.

Here, there is only 10 kg of [liquid] water, starting at 0o C, rising to temperature T, absorbing energy as it goes.

There is also 2 kg of [liquid] water, starting at 100o C, falling to temperature T (making a temperature change of 100 - T), releasing energy as it goes.

You'll need to re-set up your equation to account for both of these things. :wink:

JesseC said:
I'm confused by the question. Steam is a suspension of water droplets in air, basically a cloud. Presumably you mean water vapour not steam?
That's really a matter of semantics. But commonly, water in gaseous form is called steam. (In which case -- you are correct insofar that -- H2O is transparent when in truly gaseous form.)
 
Last edited:
It would also be nice if some units were included in the calculations.
 

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