Why Is Some Energy Wasted in a Boiler System?

AI Thread Summary
In a hot water boiler system, energy is lost when gas is burned, with only 100 J of energy absorbed by the water out of 111 J released. The unused energy is considered 'wasted' because it cannot be effectively transformed into another usable form, making it unavailable for further energy transfers. This wasted energy dissipates as heat, which does not contribute to the intended heating process. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the efficiency of energy systems. The discussion highlights the fundamental challenges in energy transfer and the importance of maximizing efficiency in heating systems.
MuhammadIslam
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In a hot water system water is heated by burning gas in a boiler.
The hot water is then stored in a tank.
For every 111J of energy released from the gas, 100 J of energy is absorbed by the water in the boiler.

Question B
The energy released from the gas but not absorbed by the boiler is 'wasted'.
Explain why this energy is of little use for further energy transfers.

Please answer the question appropriate.

Best Regards,

Muhammad
 
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MuhammadIslam said:
Please answer the question appropriate.
Hi Muhammad. Welcome to PF, and thank you for posting an interesting question. :cool:

As it is your question, you must show that you have thought about it before anyone can offer assistance. So what do you think might be a reason?
 
Hello NascentOxygen,

I have thought about it and have an answer as well.
But I've posted this question to ask more experienced students about this.
As you can see this is the very beginning.

I believe that the energy is wasted because you can't use it anymore as it disappears from the equation.

Please answer this question appropriate.

Best Regards,
Muhammad
 
Last edited:
How does it disappear from the equation?
 
By not being able to use the previous energy it can not change into another form of energy.
 
Last edited:
Bump, Can Someone confirm my previous message as correct.
And make corrections where needed and shed some extra light on this matter.
 
If you have a car, just touch the exhaust or the engine.
Why wasted energy to heat those areas.
Because its the property of heat engine.
 
It is a fairly difficult though very fundamental question, MuhammadIslam. Is this a homework exercise? I think it might be too difficult for you. What year are you at school?

It might be one of those questions where you are expected to give the answer that your teacher at some stage recently told you. Have you studied in class this example of the water heater?
 
Hmm I need to further investigate your answer as it sounds hard Aziz,

Nascent I have had only one lesson of physics in my hole life, thursday I will get my next one. It is on Year 10 difficulty. (GCSE)
 

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