How Long Will It Take for Ice to Melt in a Styrofoam Cooler?

In summary, the problem involves a large styrofoam cooler with a surface area of 1.0m^2 and a thickness of 2.5cm. 5.0kg of ice at 0C is stored inside while the outside temperature is a constant 35C. The solution involves using the equation Q=mc(delta)T and solving for Q, which is then divided by the rate of heat transfer to find the time it takes for all the ice to melt. The incorrect calculation was due to not factoring in the total surface area of the cooler.
  • #1
Sucks@Physics
76
0

Homework Statement


A large styrofoam cooler has a surface area of 1.0m^2 and a thickness of 2.5cm. If 5.0kg of ice at 0C is stored inside and the outside temperature is a constant 35C, how long does it take for all the ice to melt? (Consider conduction only)


Homework Equations


kA(delta)T/d = Q/(delta)T

Q=mc(delta)T


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried (.042J/mxsxC)(1.0m^2)(35C)/.025m = 58.8j/s but I don't think that the change in temperature is correct.

But after getting that answer solve for Q=(5.0kg)(2100J/kgxC)(35C) = 367500J again i don't think the change in temperature is correct

Then divide 367000J/58.8j/s = 104.4 hours. which i know is incorrect

Help would be appreciated thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The cube has 6 surfaces. So the area should be 6.0m^2.
 
  • #3
the total surface area is 1.0m^2. But I figured it out, I just needed to use the latent heat equation
 

FAQ: How Long Will It Take for Ice to Melt in a Styrofoam Cooler?

What is conduction calculation?

Conduction calculation is a method used to determine the amount of heat transferred through a material or between two materials in contact with each other. It takes into account factors such as the thermal conductivity of the materials and the temperature difference between them.

How is conduction calculation used in science and engineering?

Conduction calculation is used in various fields, such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, and material science, to understand and predict the flow of heat in different systems. It helps in designing and optimizing heat transfer processes and materials for efficient energy use.

What are the key variables involved in conduction calculation?

The key variables in conduction calculation include the thermal conductivity of the materials, the temperature difference between the materials, and the surface area and thickness of the materials. Other factors such as the geometry of the system and boundary conditions may also be considered.

How accurate is conduction calculation?

Conduction calculation can provide accurate results when all the necessary variables are considered and properly measured. However, it may not account for all the complexities and variations in real-world scenarios, so it is important to validate the results with experiments or simulations.

What are some applications of conduction calculation in everyday life?

Some common applications of conduction calculation in everyday life include the design of insulation materials for homes and buildings, the development of efficient cooling systems for electronic devices, and the optimization of cooking processes in the food industry.

Similar threads

Thermodynamics Ice Melting Question
Replies
4
Views
3K
How Long Does It Take for a Mass to Freeze or Melt?
Replies
2
Views
990
Heat transfer, how long it takes ice to reach melting point
Replies
6
Views
3K
Thermodynamics with styrofoam cooler
Replies
4
Views
3K
Solving Heat Transfer Problem with Melting Ice Cube
Replies
4
Views
3K
How Long Does It Take for Ice to Melt in a Styrofoam Cooler?
Replies
23
Views
5K
Keeping Food Cold on a Long Summer Trip: Solving the Ice Melt Problem
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Long Does It Take for a Handle to Become Unbearably Hot?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Dry ice sublimation, heat balance
Replies
2
Views
4K
Heat Transfer Through a Styrofoam Container
Replies
1
Views
10K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top