Which will boil faster: steel ball in container or just water?

In summary, the conversation discusses two cases in which a container with a steel ball and a container with only water are heated, and the question is which one will boil faster and attain thermal equilibrium faster. The volume of water in both cases is the same, and it is mentioned that the conductivity of the contents may play a role in the heat transfer process. It is also mentioned that the heat capacity of the ball is lower than that of water. However, there are still some questions about the specific details and context of the exercise.
  • #1
Ravi Singh choudhary
125
7

Homework Statement


upload_2016-6-1_20-0-36.png

Case 1: Which will boiling faster the container having steel ball dipped in it or container having only water?

Case 2: Which one will attain thermal equilibrium faster? Consider balls are just in middle of the container.

every condition of each the cases have same volume of water

Homework Equations


Q=mc*dT

The Attempt at a Solution


It is different than boiling stone; As we are heating simultaneously water and the steel ball.
In 1st case; as volume of water is same that means container with steel ball would require extra energy that means it will boil late.
In 2nd case; we could apply transient head transfer but how could we compare "h" for both the cases.
 

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  • #2
Ravi Singh choudhary said:
In 1st case; as volume of water is same that means container with steel ball would require extra energy that means it will boil late
On the other hand, conductivity of the contents will effectively improve, perhaps offsetting the little bit of extra heat required ?
For case 2 it isn't clear to me what the system under consideration is and what thermal equilibrium would mean here. The whole lot at 20 C ?
 
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Likes CWatters
  • #3
I agree with your answer for case 1.

For case 2 you aren't given the relative masses of the ball and water so you can't calculate the final temperature or estimate the heat that has to flow into or out of the ball. Perhaps consider what happens if the ball is the size of a grain of sand? Or the water just one droplet?
 
  • #4
BvU said:
For case 2 it isn't clear to me what the system under consideration is and what thermal equilibrium would mean here. The whole lot at 20 C ?
Thermal equilibrium means; heat transfer will stop between ball and water. Equilibrium temperature would be something between 100 c to 30c
 
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  • #5
BvU said:
On the other hand, conductivity of the contents will effectively improve, perhaps offsetting the little bit of extra heat required ?

Bulk temperature need to attained faster. What is the role of conductivity of ball here?
 
  • #6
CWatters said:
I agree with your answer for case 1.

For case 2 you aren't given the relative masses of the ball and water so you can't calculate the final temperature or estimate the heat that has to flow into or out of the ball. Perhaps consider what happens if the ball is the size of a grain of sand? Or the water just one droplet?

I am pretty much sure that heat capacity (m*c) of ball is low. Water's mass is much more than the ball.
 
  • #7
Ravi Singh choudhary said:
Bulk temperature need to attained faster. What is the role of conductivity of ball here?
Depending on how the heat is brought to the contents, it has to be transported (or not -- like in microwave oven) by conduction and/or convection.
 
  • #8
Ravi Singh choudhary said:
Thermal equilibrium means; heat transfer will stop between ball and water. Equilibrium temperature would be something between 100 c to 30c
Like very close to 30 in one case and very close to 100 in the other ? And all transport mechanisms for heat are to be considered ?
What is the context of this exercise? Where does it come from ?

So many questions...
 
  • #9
BvU said:
Like very close to 30 in one case and very close to 100 in the other ? And all transport mechanisms for heat are to be considered ?
What is the context of this exercise? Where does it come from ?

So many questions...
Yeah you got it right
You can neglect radiation
It was just asked in BARC interview
 

FAQ: Which will boil faster: steel ball in container or just water?

What factors affect the boiling time of water?

The amount of heat applied, the volume of water, the type of container, and the altitude can all affect the boiling time of water.

Does salt make water boil faster?

No, adding salt to water actually increases the boiling point, making it take longer to reach the boiling point.

Will hot water boil faster than cold water?

Yes, hot water will boil faster than cold water because it is already closer to the boiling point and requires less energy to reach it.

Does covering the pot make the water boil faster?

Yes, covering the pot traps the heat and steam, creating a more efficient environment for boiling and therefore making the water boil faster.

Is the type of stove or heat source a factor in boiling time?

Yes, different types of stoves or heat sources may have varying levels of heat output, which can affect the boiling time of water.

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