A copper block of mass 2.5 kg is heated in a furnace to a temperature of 500 °C and then placed on a large ice block. What is the maximum amount of ice that can melt? (Specific heat of copper = 0.39 J g^–1 K^–1; heat of fusion of water
= 335 J g^–1).

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Given,

Mass of the copper block, m = 2.5 kg = 2500 g

Rise in the temperature of the copper block, ΔT = 500 °C

Specific heat of copper, C = 0.39 J g^–1 °C^–1

Heat of fusion of water, L = 335 J g^–1

The maximum heat that the copper block can lose, Q = mCΔT

⇒ Q = 2500 g × 0.39 J g^–1 °C^–1 × 500 °C

⇒ Q = 487500 J

Let m’ be the amount of ice that melts when the copper block is placed on the ice block.

So, the heat gained by the melted ice, Q = m’L

∴ m’ = Q/L

⇒ m’ = 487500/335

⇒ m’ = 1455.22 g = 1.455 kg

Hence, the maximum amount of ice that can melt is 1.455 kg.

NOTE: The specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius.

A copper block of mass 2.5 kg is heated in a furnace to a temperature of 500 °C and then placed on a large ice block. What is the maximum amount of ice that can melt? (Specific heat of copper = 0.39 J g–1 K–1; heat of fusion of water= 335 J g–1).