Calculating the Cost of Heating Water for a 10 Minute Shower

  • Thread starter kkcool
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In summary, the cost of heating the water for a 10 minute shower using hot water at a rate of 10L/min and a natural gas price of $9.00 per GJ is dependent on several factors. These include the temperature of the hot and cold water, the heat capacity and density of water, and the amount of gas needed to produce the necessary heat. To accurately calculate the cost, one must consider the amount of water used, the temperature change needed, and the cost of the gas.
  • #1
kkcool
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If you have a 10 min shower using hot water at a rate of 10L/min, how many dollars does it cost to heat the water using natural gas if hte price of natural gas is $9.00 per GJ? Assume the T of the hot water is 45 C and the T of the cold water that needs to be heated is 10 C. Heat capacity of water = 4.184 J g^-1 C^-1, and density of water = 1.00 g/mL.

Any help will be greatly appreciated !
 
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  • #2
You must attempt to answer the question yourself before we can help you.
 
  • #3
kkcool said:
If you have a 10 min shower using hot water at a rate of 10L/min, how many dollars does it cost to heat the water using natural gas if hte price of natural gas is $9.00 per GJ? Assume the T of the hot water is 45 C and the T of the cold water that needs to be heated is 10 C. Heat capacity of water = 4.184 J g^-1 C^-1, and density of water = 1.00 g/mL.

Any help will be greatly appreciated !
You need to use the template and show what you have done to solve the problem.
 
  • #4
I don't even know how to begin to solve the problem. Can you give pointers on how to start?
 
  • #5
Such questions are asked in some context - that is, there was a lecture on something and now you should use information from that lecture. Question can be solved in many ways, but most likely you are expected to use one of them - we have no idea which one, so our hints can be off. Basically you have to calculate how much water you use during shower, how much heat is needed for the temperature change, how much gas is needed to produce the heat, how much does the gas cost.
 

What is the difference between water and temperature?

The main difference between water and temperature is that water is a liquid and temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Water is a specific molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, while temperature is a property that can be measured using a thermometer.

How does water temperature affect living organisms?

Water temperature can have a significant impact on living organisms, as it can affect their metabolism, growth, and behavior. For example, some organisms are adapted to live in cold water and may struggle to survive in warm water. Changes in water temperature can also impact the concentration of dissolved oxygen, which can be crucial for aquatic organisms.

What factors can influence the temperature of water?

Several factors can influence the temperature of water, including the amount of sunlight it receives, the depth and size of the body of water, and the surrounding air temperature. Human activities, such as the release of heated water from power plants, can also affect water temperature.

How can changes in water temperature impact the environment?

Changes in water temperature can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. For example, warmer water can lead to increased plant growth, but it can also cause harmful algal blooms. Additionally, changes in water temperature can impact the distribution and migration patterns of aquatic species, which can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.

Why is it important to monitor water temperature?

Monitoring water temperature is crucial for understanding and managing aquatic ecosystems. It can help detect changes in water quality, identify potential threats to aquatic life, and inform conservation efforts. Water temperature data is also important for predicting weather patterns and understanding the impacts of climate change on our planet.

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