Electric Heating Coil: Potential Difference in 3.5 mins

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An electric heating coil with a resistance of 260 Ω heats 4.2 kg of water from 22°C to 33°C in 3.5 minutes. The heat absorbed by the water can be calculated using the specific heat formula, leading to the total energy transferred. Power is determined by dividing this energy by the time taken. The potential difference can then be calculated using the formula that relates voltage, resistance, and power. The discussion emphasizes a simpler approach to solving the problem without involving capacitance or charge calculations.
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An electric heating coil is immersed in 4.2 kg of water at 22°C. The coil, which has a resistance of 260 Ω, warms the water to 33°C in 3.5 mins. What is the potential difference at which the coil operates?

I was looking through the chapter, and did not see any equations that I can use that involve temperatures, but does this problem involve the equation q(t) = CE[1-e^(-t/T)]?
 
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What is the quantity of heat absorbed by water? Heat absorbed by water is heat dissipated by heater. Once you know the wattage and resistance of heater, calculate the voltage.
 
Here's what I did, and I got my answer wrong, but see if you can catch my mistake:

C = Q/mT = 4186 J/(kgK) = Q/(4.2 kg)(306.15 K - 295.15 K) => Q = 193,393.2 C
I = Q/t = 193,393.2 C / 210 s = 920.92 A
V = IR = (920.92 A)(260 ohm) = 239,439.2 V

I thought my overall answer seemed somewhat high, and I was right. Are any of the equations I used incorrect?
 
Last edited:
Bump! Is anyone able to determine what I am doing wrong?
 
The solution for this problem should not involve capacitanc, charges etc.
It's much simpler.
First you calculate the amount of heat the water absorbed.
Heat=specific heat * mass * temperature difference
The heat is the energy that the resistor transferred to the water, in a certain amount of time. Hence the power is
Power = energy / time
now use the formula
(Voltage)^2 / resistance = power
and that's it.
 
Awesome, thank you so much!
 

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