Why Is Some Energy Wasted in a Boiler System?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the efficiency of a hot water boiler system, specifically addressing the energy released from burning gas and the portion that is not absorbed by the water. The original poster seeks to understand why this unabsorbed energy is considered 'wasted' and of little use for further energy transfers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore reasons for energy being classified as wasted, with some suggesting it cannot be transformed into another form of energy. Questions arise about how energy 'disappears' from the system and the implications of wasted energy in practical scenarios.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and seeking confirmation on their reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for the original poster to demonstrate prior thought before receiving assistance. There is a mix of interpretations and levels of understanding being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions limited prior experience with physics, indicating that this may be a challenging topic for them. There is a suggestion that the question may relate to recent classroom instruction.

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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