What was the initial temperature of the lead bullet before it melted completely?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a lead bullet that melts upon striking a wall, with the goal of determining its initial temperature before the impact. The context includes concepts from thermodynamics and energy conservation, specifically relating to kinetic energy, heat transfer, and phase changes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the energy balance equation involving kinetic energy, specific heat, and latent heat of melting. There are attempts to verify calculations and identify potential errors in the mathematical steps leading to the initial temperature.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out discrepancies in calculations, suggesting that the original poster may have made a mistake in their arithmetic. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct values and the implications of those calculations on the initial temperature result.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the expected answer being approximately 400 K, which raises questions about the assumptions made in the calculations and the accuracy of the values used.

Vitalius6189
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Homework Statement


A lead bullet flies at a speed of 450 m / s and, striking a wall perpendicularly, melts
completely. What was the bullet temperature before the blow, if for melting it consumes only half of its mechanical energy? Latent melting heat and the specific and melting temperature of the lead are λt
= 25 kJ / kg, c = 130 J / (kg · K) Tmelting= 600 K.

Homework Equations


½ x ½mv² = mcΔT + mλ

The Attempt at a Solution


The bullet (mass m) is first be heated to its melting temperature. Call the temperature-increase ΔT. This requires energy = mcΔT.

The bullet is then melted which requires energy = mλ

The bullet's initial kinetic (mechanical) energy was ½mv². Half of this heats and melts the bullet so:
½ x ½mv² = mcΔT + mλ

v²/4 = cΔT + λ

λ = 25000 J/kg
c = 130 J/(kg·K)

450²/4 = 130ΔT + 25000
ΔT = (67500 - 25000)/130
. . . = 327K

Therefore the temperature has risen 327K to reach melting point (600K) so the initial temperature was 600 - 327 = 273K (i.e. 0°C).
The problem is that the answer is supossed to be aproximately 400 K but i can't get it.
I feel like I'm missing something but don't know what.

Any help will be appreciated.
 
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I think the problem is just the math in the end.
Everything is right up to:
\frac{450^2}{4}\text{=130$\Delta $T+25000}
but \frac{450^2}{4}=50625, not 67500 as you put in your solution.
So then:
\text{$\Delta $T=}\frac{(50625-25000)}{130}\text{=197.115}
So T=600-197.115=402.885K
 
Vitalius6189 said:
450²/4 = 130ΔT + 25000
ΔT = (67500 - 25000)/130
. . . = 327K
Looks like it may be a calculator problem. Try that calculation again.
 
I shoulb be way more attentive. Sorry for bothering and thank you for help.
 
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