Finding the Final Temperature of a Water Mixture: A Chemistry Problem

In summary, a vessel containing 0.5 kg of water at 50oC has 0.2 kg of water at 20oC added to it. The final temperature of the mixture and vessel is represented by 'T'. The expression for the heat lost by the hotter water and vessel in terms of T is (500*4.1868 + 500)*(50-T) J, while the expression for the heat gained by the colder water in terms of T is 200*4.18*(T-20) J. By setting these two expressions equal to each other, the value of T can be found to be 42.86oC, assuming no heat is lost from the vessel to the surroundings.
  • #1
wolfson_1123
14
0
Hi all, i often help out in the chemistry section, was wondering if you could help me with a question:

A vessel of thermal capacity 500 J/oC contains 0.5 kg of water at 50oC.
0.2 kg of water at 20oC is added and perfectly mixed with the hotter water.
In this process, heat is lost by the hotter water and vessel to the colder water, so the hotter water and vessel cool down and the colder water heats up.
We will call the final temperature of the mixture (and vessel) ‘T’.

(a) Write an expression for the heat lost by the hotter water and vessel in terms of T.

(b) Write an expression for the heat gained by the colder water in terms of T.

(c) If we assume that no heat is lost from the vessel to the surroundings, the heat lost by the hotter water and vessel must be the same as the heat gained by the colder water. So by putting the above two expressions equal to each other, find the value of T.
The answer= 42.86oC


I know the answer if there it is just how to find it out. Thank you
 
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  • #2
The thermal capacity of water is 4.1868 J/g/0C, so your 500 g of hot water as a thermal capacity of 500*4.1868 J/0C.
Loss of heat by container plus hot water: (500*4.1868 + 500)*(50-T) J
Gain of heat by cold water: 200*4.18*(T-20)
Since both heat quantities are equal you can find T.
 
  • #3
for your question and explanation of the problem. Finding the final temperature of a water mixture involves understanding the principles of heat transfer and conservation of energy.

(a) To find the heat lost by the hotter water and vessel, we can use the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat lost, m is the mass of the water, c is the specific heat capacity of water (4.18 J/g°C), and ΔT is the change in temperature. In this case, the mass of the water is 0.5 kg and the change in temperature is (50-T)°C. The thermal capacity of the vessel is also given as 500 J/°C, so we can add this to the heat lost by the water. Therefore, the expression for the heat lost by the hotter water and vessel is Q = (0.5 kg)(4.18 J/g°C)(50-T)°C + (500 J/°C)(50-T)°C.

(b) Similarly, the heat gained by the colder water can be calculated using the same formula, but with a different mass and change in temperature. In this case, the mass is 0.2 kg and the change in temperature is (T-20)°C. Therefore, the expression for the heat gained by the colder water is Q = (0.2 kg)(4.18 J/g°C)(T-20)°C.

(c) To find the value of T, we can set these two expressions equal to each other and solve for T. This gives us:

(0.5 kg)(4.18 J/g°C)(50-T)°C + (500 J/°C)(50-T)°C = (0.2 kg)(4.18 J/g°C)(T-20)°C

Simplifying and solving for T, we get T = 42.86°C. This is the final temperature of the mixture and vessel.

I hope this helps you understand the problem better. Let me know if you have any further questions. Happy problem-solving!
 

Related to Finding the Final Temperature of a Water Mixture: A Chemistry Problem

1. What is the purpose of finding the final temperature of a water mixture?

The purpose of finding the final temperature of a water mixture is to determine the overall temperature of the mixture after two or more substances have been combined. This is important in understanding the behavior and properties of the mixture, as well as in practical applications such as cooking or chemical reactions.

2. How is the final temperature of a water mixture calculated?

The final temperature of a water mixture is calculated by using the principle of heat transfer, which states that heat lost by one substance is gained by another. This means that the sum of the heat lost by the warmer substance and the heat gained by the cooler substance is equal to zero. By setting up an equation using the specific heat capacities and initial temperatures of the substances, the final temperature of the mixture can be calculated.

3. What factors can affect the final temperature of a water mixture?

The final temperature of a water mixture can be affected by several factors, including the initial temperatures of the substances, their specific heat capacities, and the amount of each substance present in the mixture. Other factors such as heat transfer rate, insulation, and any chemical reactions taking place can also play a role in determining the final temperature.

4. Is it necessary to account for the specific heat capacity of water in the calculation?

Yes, it is necessary to account for the specific heat capacity of water in the calculation as it is the most commonly used substance in mixtures and has a relatively high specific heat capacity. This means that it requires a larger amount of heat to raise its temperature compared to other substances, and can significantly affect the final temperature of the mixture.

5. Can the final temperature of a water mixture ever be higher than the initial temperature of one of the substances?

No, the final temperature of a water mixture can never be higher than the initial temperature of one of the substances. This is because of the principle of heat transfer, which states that heat always flows from a warmer substance to a cooler substance until they reach thermal equilibrium. Therefore, the final temperature of the mixture will always be somewhere between the initial temperatures of the substances, but never higher than the highest initial temperature.

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