Which Pool Had More Heat Transferred: A or B?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the heat transferred to two swimming pools, A and B, where pool A contains twice as much water as pool B. The initial temperatures of both pools are at air temperature, with pool A currently at 29 degrees Celsius and pool B at 30 degrees Celsius.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between heat transfer, mass, heat capacity, and temperature change. Some question the relevance of cross-sectional area in this context, while others attempt to clarify the definitions of heat capacity and its implications for the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the factors affecting heat transfer. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the role of mass and temperature change, and some participants are encouraged to express their reasoning through mathematical expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are mindful of the constraints of the homework format, including the penalty for guessing on multiple-choice questions. There is an emphasis on ensuring understanding before making a selection.

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Homework Statement



Swimming pool A contains twice as much water as swimming pool B. The water in each pool started at air temperature. Which pool had more heat transferred to it?

Currently: Swimming pool A is at 29 degrees celsius
Swimming pool B is at 30 degrees celsius
Air temperature is 20 degrees celsius


Homework Equations



Q is proportional to A

The Attempt at a Solution



If Q is proportional to A, then A should have had more heat transferred to it since it has a larger cross-sectional area. (My homework is multiple choice, a, b, or both. You are penalized for guessing so I just want to make sure that my thinking is correct before I select an answer. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!)
 
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The heat transferred is proportional to the mass of the water times the heat capacity times the change in temperature. What does that tell you? Cross-sectional area has nothing to do with this.
 
Last edited:
Since pool A is twice as large as pool B, its mass is larger, and pool A's heat capacity is also larger because the value of heat capacity is proportional to the amount of material in the object, and it's change in temperature is only a degree less than that of pool B. Therefore, A had more heat transfer.
 
No, I'm talking about heat capacity per unit mass. If the mass of A is m then the mass of B is m/2. So if heat capacity is can you write expressions for the heat transfer for A and B? Can you show one is larger than the other? If the temperature change for A vs B had been different, then the answer might be different.
 

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