Why Is My Calculation of Thermal Equilibrium Temperature Incorrect?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the thermal equilibrium temperature in calorimetry problems involving aluminum, glass, and water. The first problem involves 200g of aluminum at 300°C placed in a calorimeter with 200g of water at 10°C, where the final equilibrium temperature is 57.3°C. The user incorrectly applies the formula mcΔT, leading to inaccurate results. The second problem involves multiple metals (brass, silver, copper) and requires the same principles, with the final temperature being 19.9°C. A critical point raised is the necessity of converting Celsius to Kelvin for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calorimetry and thermal energy transfer
  • Familiarity with the formula Q = mcΔT
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacities for aluminum, water, brass, silver, and copper
  • Ability to convert temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the specific heat capacities of aluminum, water, brass, silver, and copper
  • Practice solving calorimetry problems using the formula Q = mcΔT
  • Learn about the concept of thermal equilibrium in closed systems
  • Explore the implications of temperature conversion from Celsius to Kelvin in thermal calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, physics educators, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding of calorimetry and thermal energy calculations.

crimesofparis
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I'm having some trouble with thermal energy problems. The first question goes like this.

200g of Al at 300 degrees C is placed into a 100g glass Calorimeter with 200g of water at 10 degrees C. What is the final equilibrium temperature of the system. The answer is 57.3 degrees C (the teacher always gives us the answers on homework).

I understand that the formula is mc*change in T=mc*change in T, but when I put in the equation my answer isn't even close. This is what I'm doing

2(742)(300-Tf)=2(4186)(10-Tf)

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

I have a similar question about another problem.

An Al calorimeter, 100g, that contains 500g of water at 10degC has the following put into it simultaneously. 200g of brass at 150degC, 200g of silver at 200degC, 100g of copper at 100deg C. Assuming no water loss due to vaporization, determine the final equilibrium temperature. The answer is 19.9degC.

I have no idea where to start this one...

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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In the formula Q = mc{\Delta}T that you use, T is expressed in Kelvins, so you should transform your temperatures from Celsius degrees to Kelvins.
 

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