What was the initial temperature of the copper?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a calorimetry problem involving 8.0 g of aluminum at 200°C and 22 g of copper, which are placed in 55 cm³ of ethyl alcohol at 15°C, resulting in a final temperature of 28°C. The key equation used is the heat transfer equation: heat lost = heat gained, which is expressed as m1 * s1 * t1 + m2 * s2 * t2 + m3 * L = m1 * s1 * tf + m2 * s2 * tf + m3 * s3 * tf. The user attempts to solve for the initial temperature of copper (t2) but struggles with the calculations, indicating a need for clarity on the specific heat capacities and mass conversions involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calorimetry principles
  • Familiarity with specific heat capacity calculations
  • Knowledge of mass and volume conversions
  • Basic grasp of thermodynamic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review calorimetry equations and their applications
  • Practice problems involving heat transfer and specific heat capacities
  • Learn about the properties of ethyl alcohol, including its latent heat of fusion
  • Explore advanced thermodynamic concepts related to heat exchange
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying thermodynamics, particularly those tackling calorimetry problems, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to heat transfer and specific heat capacities.

bigboss
Messages
28
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



8.0 g of aluminum at 200 C and 22 g of copper are dropped into 55 cm^3 of ethyl alcohol at 15 C. The temperature quickly comes to 28 C. What was the initial temperature of the copper?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



tried using calorimetry equations, not getting anywhere.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Have to give the equations i haven done SHC for 3years although i don't think that that question is hard.
 
heat lost = heat gained
or m1 * s1 * t1 + m2 * s2 * t2 + m3 * L = m1 * s1 * tf + m2 * s2 * tf + m3 * s3 * tf
solving the above equation for t2 we get
t2 = (m1 * s1/m2 * s2) * (tf - t1) + (m3/m2 * s2) * (s3 * tf - L)
m1 = 11 g = 11 * 10^-3 kg
s1 = 900 J/kg/K
t1 = 200 oC = (200 + 273) K = 473 K
m2 = 21 g = 21 * 10^-3 kg
s2 = 387 J/kg/K
t2 = the initial temperature of copper
m3 = ρ * V = 790 * 46 * (10^-2)^3 = 36.34 * 10^-3 kg
L is the latent heat of fusion of ethyl alcohol and is equal to 1.08 * 10^5 J/kg
tf = 22 oC = (22 + 273) K = 295 Knot working.
 
Last edited:
I do not see any water in the problem.

ehild
 
thanks for the notice, edited it, and stil not getting the correct answer
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
12K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K