How Does Thermal Equilibrium Determine Final Temperature Between Copper Blocks?

In summary: T1 and T2. In summary, when two identical copper blocks with mass m grams and heat capacity Cv are brought into thermal contact until reaching thermodynamic equilibrium, the final temperature Tf will be the average of the two initial temperatures T1 and T2. This can also be observed through the relationship between the temperature changes of the two blocks, where the drop in temperature of the hotter block is equal to the increase in temperature of the colder block.
  • #1
redline7890
3
0
Two identical copper blocks of mass m grams, one at (fundamental) temperature T1
and the other at temperature T2 are brought into thermal contact until they reach
thermodynamic equilibrium. The heat capacity of copper/gram is Cv .
What is the final temperature Tf?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
redline7890 said:
Two identical copper blocks of mass m grams, one at (fundamental) temperature T1
and the other at temperature T2 are brought into thermal contact until they reach
thermodynamic equilibrium. The heat capacity of copper/gram is Cv .
What is the final temperature Tf?
Heat would, of course, flow from the hotter block to the colder block until they both reach the same temperature. Whatever heat flows out of the hot block flows into the cold block.

[tex]\Delta Q_1 = cm\Delta T_1[/tex]
[tex]\Delta Q_2 = cm\Delta T_2[/tex]
[tex]\Delta Q_1 + \Delta Q_2 = 0[/tex]

And, of course:

[tex]T_1 + \Delta T_1 = T_f [/tex]
[tex]T_2 + \Delta T_2 = T_f[/tex]

(Note: One of the temperature changes is negative and one is positive).

You can work out what Tf is from the above.

Or you can observe that since the blocks are identical - same mass and same heat capacity - the relationship between the drop in temperature of the hotter block and the increase in temperature for the colder block is ____________?

AM
 

Related to How Does Thermal Equilibrium Determine Final Temperature Between Copper Blocks?

1. What is thermal copper physics?

Thermal copper physics is the study of the behavior of copper when it is subjected to changes in temperature. It examines how this metal conducts and transfers heat, and how it changes physically and chemically as a result of thermal energy.

2. How does copper conduct heat?

Copper is a good conductor of heat due to its high thermal conductivity, which is a measure of how easily it can transfer heat. This is because the atoms in copper are arranged in a way that allows for the efficient movement of heat energy through the material.

3. Why is copper used in thermal applications?

Copper is often used in thermal applications because of its excellent thermal conductivity and its ability to withstand high temperatures. It is also a relatively inexpensive and readily available metal, making it a practical choice for many industries.

4. What is the thermal expansion of copper?

The thermal expansion of copper refers to how it changes in size when heated. Like most materials, copper expands when heated and contracts when cooled. The exact amount of expansion depends on the temperature change and the specific type of copper alloy.

5. How does thermal copper physics relate to everyday life?

Thermal copper physics plays a significant role in our daily lives, as copper is used in a wide range of applications, from electrical wiring in homes to the heat exchangers in air conditioning units. Understanding how copper behaves under different thermal conditions helps us design and use these technologies more efficiently.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
827
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
823
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
9K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top