Why does ice cool liquid more than 32 degree aluminum cubes?

In summary, ice is able to cool liquid more effectively than 32 degree aluminum cubes due to its lower temperature. The lower the temperature of ice, the more efficiently it can cool a liquid. Other materials such as dry ice, liquid nitrogen, and liquid helium can also cool liquid more effectively than aluminum cubes. The shape of the ice or aluminum cubes does not significantly impact their ability to cool a liquid, but a larger surface area may slightly affect the rate of cooling. Additionally, ice and aluminum cubes can only cool a liquid to their own temperatures and cannot cool it below that point. A different material with a lower temperature must be used to achieve cooler temperatures.
  • #1
maximiliano
43
0
(that's Fahrenheit of course) For that matter...0 degree F aluminum cubes doesn't cool a room temp liquid as much. frozen H2O cools liquid off much much much much faster and more (in total temp drop terms) than equal surface area "cubes" of aluminum, cooled to -20C. (I've done the experiment). I assume this is due to the phase change of the ice...but part of that escapes me, especially the absolute temp. sink. Can anyone set me straight on this issue?

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Google "heat capacity", "specific heat" and "latent heat".
 

Related to Why does ice cool liquid more than 32 degree aluminum cubes?

1. Why does ice cool liquid more than 32 degree aluminum cubes?

Ice cools liquid more effectively than 32 degree aluminum cubes because ice has a much lower temperature than aluminum cubes. When placed in a liquid, the ice absorbs heat energy from the liquid and melts, while the aluminum cubes only transfer a small amount of heat due to their higher temperature. This process of melting requires more energy and thus cools the liquid more effectively.

2. How does the temperature of ice affect its ability to cool a liquid?

The lower the temperature of ice, the more effectively it can cool a liquid. This is because the rate of heat transfer is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the two objects. Therefore, ice with a temperature much lower than the liquid will transfer heat at a faster rate and cool the liquid more efficiently.

3. Can other materials besides ice cool liquid more effectively than aluminum cubes?

Yes, there are other materials that can cool liquid more effectively than aluminum cubes. For example, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) has a temperature of -109.3°F and can cool a liquid even more effectively than ice. Other materials such as liquid nitrogen (-320°F) and liquid helium (-452°F) can also cool a liquid more effectively than ice.

4. Is the shape of the ice or aluminum cubes important in cooling a liquid?

The shape of the ice or aluminum cubes does not significantly affect their ability to cool a liquid. Both materials will transfer heat to the liquid at a similar rate as long as their temperatures are lower than the liquid. However, the surface area of the ice or aluminum cubes may slightly impact the rate of cooling, as a larger surface area allows for more heat transfer.

5. Can ice or aluminum cubes cool a liquid below their respective temperatures?

No, ice and aluminum cubes can only cool a liquid to their own temperatures. Once they reach equilibrium with the liquid, they will no longer cool it. For example, ice will stop cooling a liquid once it reaches 32°F, and aluminum cubes will stop at 32°F as well. To cool a liquid below these temperatures, a different material with a lower temperature must be used.

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