Thermal physics How would I go about this one?

In summary, the question is asking for the maximum increase in temperature of 200 grams of lead shot placed in a 1.5-m-long cardboard tube that is closed at both ends. By quickly inverting the tube 50 times, gravitational potential energy is converted to heat energy. Using the equation Q=mc(deltaT), where Q is the heat energy, m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and deltaT is the change in temperature, the maximum increase in temperature is found to be 25 degrees Celsius.
  • #1
benji
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Two hundred grams of lead shot is placed in a 1.5-m-long cardboard tube, which is closed at both ends. If the tube is in a vertical position and then quickly inverted, the shot falls through the length of the tube. If this is done 50 times in succession, what is the maximum increse in temperature of the shot?

We just started this stuff and I'm not too good at it, I was able to figure out most of my homework from a thread I posted earlier today and a lot of reading, but this question still stumps me... If you could just get me started on which equation to use, what the concept is behind it, I'm sure I'll be able to figure out the rest from there.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
benji said:
We just started this stuff and I'm not too good at it, I was able to figure out most of my homework from a thread I posted earlier today and a lot of reading, but this question still stumps me... If you could just get me started on which equation to use, what the concept is behind it, I'm sure I'll be able to figure out the rest from there.

Thanks!

Hint: Gravitational potential energy is being converted to heat! Find out the how much grav. potential energy is converted to heat energy, and then find out the temperature change.
 
  • #3
Okay, so I used Ug=mgh [Ug=.2(9.8)(1.5)] and I go 2.94J. Now I need to put that into the equation Q=mc(deltaT). So can I just use Ug=Q?

2.94=.2(29)(deltaT)?

I don't think this is right because I get .5C.

EDIT: Erm wait... I forgot to multiply that by 50... Now I have 25C. This could be right, did I do everything correctly?)
 
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  • #4
benji said:
Okay, so I used Ug=mgh [Ug=.2(9.8)(1.5)] and I go 2.94J. Now I need to put that into the equation Q=mc(deltaT). So can I just use Ug=Q?

2.94=.2(29)(deltaT)?

I don't think this is right because I get .5C.

EDIT: Erm wait... I forgot to multiply that by 50... Now I have 25C. This could be right, did I do everything correctly?)


It looks like it... :smile:

Daniel.

PS.That 29J Kg^{-1}K^{-1} looks terribly small...
 

FAQ: Thermal physics How would I go about this one?

What is thermal physics?

Thermal physics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter at the microscopic level, specifically in relation to temperature and heat.

What is the difference between temperature and heat?

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, while heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another due to a difference in temperature.

How is thermal equilibrium achieved?

Thermal equilibrium is achieved when two objects at different temperatures are placed in contact with each other and there is no net flow of heat between them.

Can thermal energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, thermal energy can be converted into other forms of energy such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical energy through various processes such as combustion or thermal engines.

How does thermal physics apply to everyday life?

Thermal physics is important in understanding and controlling the behavior of heat and temperature in various systems, such as heating and cooling systems, cooking, and weather patterns. It also plays a role in fields such as thermodynamics, materials science, and environmental science.

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