Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-134-98855-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-13498-855-9

Chapter 16 - Exercises and Problems - Page 311: 54

Answer

First, let’s calculate the amount of thermal energy that is needed to heat the 650 m³ of seawater from 10°C to 100°C: Q = mcΔT where Q is the thermal energy, m is the mass of the seawater, c is the specific heat of water (4,184 J/kg·K), and ΔT is the change in temperature. The mass of 650 m³ of seawater is: m = ρV where ρ is the density of seawater (1,025 kg/m³). m = 1,025 kg/m³ × 650 m³ = 666,250 kg Now we can calculate Q: Q = mcΔT = (666,250 kg)(4,184 J/kg·K)(90°C) ≈ 25.1 GJ The time it takes for 33 MW of thermal power to generate 25.1 GJ of thermal energy is: t = Q/P where P is the thermal power. t = 25.1 GJ/33 MW = 760 seconds ≈ 12.7 minutes Therefore, it would take approximately 12.7 minutes for the 33 MW of thermal power to bring the 650 m³ of seawater to the boiling point.

Work Step by Step

First, let’s calculate the amount of thermal energy that is needed to heat the 650 m³ of seawater from 10°C to 100°C: Q = mcΔT where Q is the thermal energy, m is the mass of the seawater, c is the specific heat of water (4,184 J/kg·K), and ΔT is the change in temperature. The mass of 650 m³ of seawater is: m = ρV where ρ is the density of seawater (1,025 kg/m³). m = 1,025 kg/m³ × 650 m³ = 666,250 kg Now we can calculate Q: Q = mcΔT = (666,250 kg)(4,184 J/kg·K)(90°C) ≈ 25.1 GJ The time it takes for 33 MW of thermal power to generate 25.1 GJ of thermal energy is: t = Q/P where P is the thermal power. t = 25.1 GJ/33 MW = 760 seconds ≈ 12.7 minutes Therefore, it would take approximately 12.7 minutes for the 33 MW of thermal power to bring the 650 m³ of seawater to the boiling point.
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