Thermodynamics question, entropy Example

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving the mixing of two bodies of water at different temperatures within an insulated container. Participants explore how to determine the final temperature of the mixture and the change in entropy resulting from the mixing process. The scope includes theoretical calculations and applications of thermodynamic principles.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests applying a heat balance to find the final temperature, noting that the initial water loses heat while the cooler water gains heat.
  • Another participant proposes a formula for heat transfer, stating that in an isolated system, the heat lost by the hot water equals the heat gained by the cold water, leading to a calculated final temperature of approximately 44.375 degrees Celsius.
  • A participant agrees with the temperature calculation and mentions that an entropy balance should be applied similarly.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in calculating the change in entropy and questions whether to use the equation S = M x Cp x ΔT for both bodies of water and then take their difference.
  • Another participant suggests a different approach for calculating entropy change, indicating the need to consider the heat transfer for both the cold and hot water at their respective temperatures.
  • A later reply discusses the energy conservation principle, stating that the total energy remains constant and provides a formula for the final temperature based on the masses and initial temperatures of the two water bodies.
  • Finally, a participant presents a formula for the collective entropy change, yielding a specific value for entropy change and a final temperature expressed in Kelvin.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to calculate the final temperature using heat balance, but there is disagreement and uncertainty regarding the correct method for calculating the change in entropy, with different equations and results being proposed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and the application of equations, indicating potential limitations in their understanding or assumptions made during the problem-solving process.

abs123456
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Homework Statement



A well insulated container of negligible thermal capacity contains 30 kg of water at
90oc. A mixing process then takes place in which 50 kg of liquid water at 17oc is
added to the tank. The mixing process is continued until thermal equilibrium
is established.

Determine:
a) The final temperature of the mixture.
b) The change in entropy of the water as a result of the mixing process
(For liquid water, take Cp:4.18 kJ/kgK

Homework Equations



h = cpT

The Attempt at a Solution



Could someone please give some tips about how i should go about tackilng this question.
Thank you
 
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Applying a heat balance on the entire system would give the final temperature I believe.

The initial water will lose heat while the second cooler water will gain heat.
 
I believe this is the way to the answer:

Q=M*Cp*(t2-t1)
Q=0 - it is an isolated container, this means no heat is added or lost to the surroundings.
If we take into consideration both liquids:

0=30*Cp*(t2-90)+50*Cp*(t2-17)
Cp drops.
t2 is the final temp and it is equal for both of them.
==>t2=44.375 degrees c.

I hope this is right and helpful its been a while since i tried thermo questions..
 
I think that should be correct.

For the entropy part, you just need to apply an entropy balance in the same way.
 
Thanks for the replys, however when i am doing the entropy balance i seem to be getting it wrong...

Do i use this equation :

S= M x Cp x ΔT... for both waters and then take their differnece?
I get a different answer though, it should be 2.02kj/k
 
You'd need to do

\Delta S = \frac{Q_{cold}}{T_{cold}} - \frac{Q_{hot}}{T_{hot}}
 
how do u work out delta q?
 
You have the Q=mc(T2-T1) for each of the hot and cold fluids.
 
The energy of the system does not change. Therefore the energies of each "water" is the same as collective mass and final temperature energy.

m1*Cp*T1 + m2*Cp*T2 = (m1+m2)*Cp*Tf

where

Tf = (m1*T1 + m2*T2)/(m1+m2)

now the collective entropy change of each portion of water is
Δs = Cp*ln(Tf/T1) + Cp*ln(Tf/T2) = Cp*ln(Tf^2/(T1*T2))

Δs = 0.246 kJ/kg-K
Tf = 413K
 

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