Finding the specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube

In summary, the conversation was about finding the specific latent heat of fusion of water through a lab experiment. The equation Q=mcΔt was used to calculate the heat loss and gain in the experiment, and the final equation used to solve for H was (mwcΔtw - micΔti)/mi. However, the resulting value did not match the actual value of the specific latent heat of fusion of water.
  • #1
kiro484
21
0

Homework Statement


We completed a lab with the following information

Substance Mass(g) Starting temperature (°C) Final Temperature (°C)
Ice cube 15.55 0 12
Water 151.25 21 12

Now we need to find the specific latent heat of fusion of water

Homework Equations


Q=mcΔt
Q=mH or Q=mL

The Attempt at a Solution


Heat Loss(water)=Heat Gain(ice cube)
mcΔt(water)=mH+mcΔt(ice cube)
Solving for H
H=mcΔt (water)
m+mcΔt (ice cube)

H=(151.25)(4.2)(9)
15.55+15.55(4.2)12

H=5717.25
799.27

This gives me an answer which is nowhere near the actual value of the specific latent heat of fusion of water.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Heat Loss(water)=Heat Gain(ice cube)
mcΔt(water)=mH+mcΔt(ice cube)
Solving for H
H=mcΔt(water)
m+mcΔt (ice cube)

Have you rearranged that correctly?...

mwcΔtw = miH+micΔti

so..

miH = mwcΔtw - micΔti

and

H = (mwcΔtw - micΔti)/mi
 

Related to Finding the specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube

1. What is the purpose of finding the specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube?

The specific latent heat of fusion is the amount of energy required to change the state of a substance from solid to liquid at a constant temperature. Finding the specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube can help us understand the properties of ice and its behavior under different conditions.

2. How is the specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube measured?

The specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube can be measured by conducting an experiment where a known amount of ice is melted and the energy required to melt it is calculated. This energy is then divided by the mass of the ice to determine the specific latent heat of fusion.

3. What factors can affect the specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube?

The specific latent heat of fusion can be affected by factors such as the purity of the ice, atmospheric pressure, and any impurities present in the ice. These factors can alter the energy required to melt the ice and thus affect the specific latent heat of fusion.

4. Why is it important to use an ice cube for measuring the specific latent heat of fusion?

Using an ice cube is important because it is a pure substance with a well-defined melting point. This allows for more accurate measurements of the energy required to melt the ice and determine the specific latent heat of fusion.

5. How is the specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube useful in other applications?

The specific latent heat of fusion of an ice cube is not only useful in understanding the properties of ice, but it also has practical applications in industries such as food preservation, refrigeration, and cryogenics. It also plays a role in understanding the behavior of other substances with a similar phase change, such as water in the form of snow or glaciers.

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