Solving a 0.5kg Copper Heat Transfer Problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of equilibrium temperature and change in entropy for a system involving a 0.5kg mass of copper and a liter of water at different initial temperatures. The method for calculating entropy is different for an isothermal process and a non-isothermal process, and the difference in entropy could be due to some water turning to steam. However, it is unclear why the entropy change of water would be path dependent.
  • #1
CatWoman
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Homework Statement



(a) A 0.5kg mass of copper (specific heat 385 J kg-1K-1) at 600K is plunged into a litre of water at 20C. What is the equilibrium temperature, T2, of the system? What is the change in entropy of the water?
(b) A litre of water is heated slowly at a constant rate from 20C to T2. What is the change in entropy?
How do you account for the difference between (a) and (b)?


Homework Equations


not totally sure


The Attempt at a Solution



(a) ∆T_water=T_2-T_1=T_2-293 so ∆Q_water=C ∆T=〖4200 (T〗_2-293)

∆T_copper=T_2-T_1=T_2-600 so ∆Q_copper=C ∆T=〖385/2 (T〗_2-600)

Heat lost by copper is heat gained by water so ∆Q_water= ∆Q_copper so

〖4200 (T〗_2-293)=〖385/2 (T〗_2-600) => T_2=336K=63 degrees Centigrade

This is not an isothermal process so cannot use S=Q/T to calculate entropy before and after to calculate entropy difference.
Instead, use ∆S=C ln⁡〖T_2/T_1 〗 so ∆S=4200 ln⁡〖336/293=575 J K^(-1) 〗
However, if I treat it like an isothermal process, where
∆Q=4200 (336-293)=4200×43=180600 Joules
Then ∆S=∆Q/T=180600/293=616 J K^(-1)
The extra entropy gained could be because some of the water has turned to steam.

Please could somebody tell me what I am doing right, how I should calculate the entropy differently for part a and part b, and why, as I am very confused!

Many thanks :)
 
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  • #2
Entropy is a state variable, dependent only pressure, temperature, and amount of material. I'm having a hard time seeing why the entropy change of water between 20°C and some arbitrary temperature [itex]T_2[/itex] could be path dependent, even if some quantity has boiled and recondensed.
 
  • #3
Many thanks - yuor logic makes sense to me so I don't know what the question is trying to get at.
 

FAQ: Solving a 0.5kg Copper Heat Transfer Problem

What is the formula for calculating heat transfer?

The formula for calculating heat transfer is Q = mcΔT, where Q is the amount of heat transferred, m is the mass of the object, c is the specific heat capacity of the material, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

How do you determine the specific heat capacity of copper?

The specific heat capacity of copper can be determined experimentally by measuring the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a known mass of copper by a certain amount. This value is usually given as 0.385 J/g·K for pure copper.

What information is needed to solve a 0.5kg copper heat transfer problem?

In order to solve a 0.5kg copper heat transfer problem, you will need to know the initial and final temperatures of the copper, as well as the specific heat capacity of copper and the amount of heat transferred.

How can I use the heat transfer formula to solve the problem?

To use the heat transfer formula to solve the problem, you will need to plug in the known values for Q, m, c, and ΔT. Make sure to use consistent units, such as joules for Q, kilograms for m, and degrees Celsius for ΔT.

Can I use the same formula for all heat transfer problems?

The formula Q = mcΔT can be used for any heat transfer problem involving a change in temperature, as long as the material and mass remain constant. However, different materials have different specific heat capacities, so the value for c may vary.

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