

- Thermal Physics
- first qn. easy one 1. a metal block of de...


2 Answers
Askiitians Tutor Team
Let's tackle these physics problems step by step, starting with the first one regarding the metal block and the spring system. This problem involves concepts of energy transfer and temperature change in a fluid.
Understanding the Metal Block and Spring System
We have a metal block with a density of 6000 kg/m³ and a mass of 1.2 kg, suspended by a spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m. When the support to the spring is broken, the block will fall, and we need to determine the rise in temperature of the water in the vessel.
Step 1: Calculate the Volume of the Metal Block
The volume \( V \) of the block can be calculated using the formula:
Volume (V) = Mass (m) / Density (ρ)
Substituting the values:
V = 1.2 kg / 6000 kg/m³ = 0.0002 m³
Step 2: Determine the Potential Energy of the Block
Next, we need to find the potential energy (PE) of the block when it is at a height of 40 cm (0.4 m) above the water surface. The potential energy can be calculated using:
PE = m * g * h
Where:
- m = mass of the block = 1.2 kg
- g = acceleration due to gravity ≈ 9.81 m/s²
- h = height = 0.4 m
Calculating the potential energy:
PE = 1.2 kg * 9.81 m/s² * 0.4 m = 4.7052 J
Step 3: Energy Transfer to Water
When the block falls, this potential energy will be converted into thermal energy, which will raise the temperature of the water. The mass of the water is given as 260 g, which is 0.26 kg. The specific heat capacity of water is approximately 4184 J/kg·K. We can use the formula:
Q = m * c * ΔT
Where:
- Q = heat energy transferred = 4.7052 J
- m = mass of water = 0.26 kg
- c = specific heat capacity of water = 4184 J/kg·K
- ΔT = change in temperature
Step 4: Solve for Temperature Change
Rearranging the equation to find the change in temperature:
ΔT = Q / (m * c)
Substituting the values:
ΔT = 4.7052 J / (0.26 kg * 4184 J/kg·K) ≈ 0.0044 K
This means the rise in temperature of the water is approximately 0.0044 K, or 4.4 mK, which is quite small.
Moving to the Ideal Gas Problem
Now, let’s analyze the second question regarding the ideal gas in a vessel. We need to find the pressure of the gas as a function of time and the time taken before half of the original gas is pumped out.
Step 1: Establishing the Initial Conditions
We start with a vessel of volume \( V_0 \) containing an ideal gas at pressure \( P_0 \) and temperature \( T \). The gas is being pumped out at a constant volume rate \( \frac{dV}{dt} = r \), maintaining constant temperature.
Step 2: Applying the Ideal Gas Law
The ideal gas law states:
P * V = n * R * T
Since the temperature is constant, we can express the pressure as:
P(t) = n(t) * R * T / V_0
Step 3: Relating Pressure and Volume
As gas is pumped out, the number of moles \( n(t) \) decreases. The volume of gas remaining in the vessel at time \( t \) can be expressed as:
V(t) = V_0 - r * t
Thus, the pressure can be expressed as:
P(t) = (P_0 * V_0) / (V_0 - r * t)
Finding Time for Half the Gas to be Pumped Out
To find the time taken before half of the original gas is pumped out, we need to set \( n(t) = n_0 / 2 \). Since the volume is directly related to the number of moles, we can say:
V(t) = V_0 - r * t = V_0 / 2
Solving for \( t \):
r * t = V_0 / 2
t = V_0 / (2r)
Exploring the Mercury and Air Column Problem
Lastly, let’s look at the problem with the tube containing mercury. When the tube is inverted, we need to find the new length of the air column trapped.
Step 1: Initial Conditions
Initially, the length of the air column is 20 cm when the tube is vertical. The mercury column is 10 cm long. The total length of the tube is the sum of the air column and the mercury column:
L_total = L_air + L_mercury = 20 cm + 10 cm = 30 cm
Step 2: Inverting the Tube
When the tube is inverted, the mercury will move down, and the air column will expand. The pressure exerted by the mercury column will still balance the pressure of the trapped air. The pressure at the closed end of the tube remains constant.
Using the principle of conservation of pressure:
P_air = P
Askiitians Tutor Team
Let's tackle these questions one by one, starting with the first problem involving the metal block and the spring system. This scenario combines concepts from mechanics and thermodynamics, so we'll break it down step by step.
Understanding the Metal Block and Spring System
We have a metal block with a density of 6000 kg/m³ and a mass of 1.2 kg, suspended by a spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m. When the support for the spring is broken, the block will fall into the water, and we need to determine the rise in temperature of the water.
Step 1: Calculate the Volume of the Block
First, we can find the volume of the metal block using its mass and density:
- Density (ρ) = Mass (m) / Volume (V)
- Volume (V) = Mass (m) / Density (ρ)
Substituting the values:
V = 1.2 kg / 6000 kg/m³ = 0.0002 m³ (or 200 cm³)
Step 2: Determine the Potential Energy of the Block
Next, we need to calculate the potential energy (PE) of the block when it is at a height of 40 cm above the water:
- Potential Energy (PE) = m * g * h
Where:
- m = 1.2 kg
- g = 9.81 m/s² (acceleration due to gravity)
- h = 0.4 m (height in meters)
Calculating PE:
PE = 1.2 kg * 9.81 m/s² * 0.4 m = 4.7052 J
Step 3: Energy Transfer to Water
When the block falls, this potential energy will be converted into heat energy, which will raise the temperature of the water. The heat gained by the water can be expressed as:
- Q = m_water * c_water * ΔT
Where:
- m_water = 260 g = 0.26 kg
- c_water = 4186 J/kg·K (specific heat capacity of water)
- ΔT = rise in temperature
Step 4: Setting Up the Equation
Setting the potential energy equal to the heat gained by the water:
4.7052 J = 0.26 kg * 4186 J/kg·K * ΔT
Now, solving for ΔT:
ΔT = 4.7052 J / (0.26 kg * 4186 J/kg·K) ≈ 0.0044 K or 4.4 mK
Exploring the Ideal Gas Problem
Now, let's move on to the second question regarding the ideal gas in a vessel. We need to find the pressure of the gas as a function of time and the time taken before half of the original gas is pumped out.
Part a: Pressure as a Function of Time
Given that the gas is pumped out at a constant volume rate (dV/dt = r), and the temperature remains constant, we can apply the ideal gas law:
- P * V = n * R * T
Where:
- P = pressure
- V = volume of the gas
- n = number of moles
- R = ideal gas constant
- T = temperature
As gas is pumped out, the volume decreases, leading to a change in pressure. The relationship can be expressed as:
P(t) = P₀ * (V₀ - rt) / V₀
Part b: Time to Pump Out Half the Gas
To find the time taken to pump out half of the original gas, we set:
V(t) = V₀ / 2
Substituting into the equation:
t_half = V₀ / (2r)
Analyzing the Mercury Column Problem
Lastly, let's examine the problem with the mercury column in a tube. Initially, the air column trapped is 20 cm when the tube is vertical. We need to find the length of the air column when the tube is inverted.
Understanding Air Pressure Dynamics
When the tube is inverted, the mercury will push down due to gravity, and the air column will adjust accordingly. The pressure at the closed end remains constant, while the height of the mercury column changes.
Using the principle of conservation of pressure:
- P_air + P_mercury = constant
Initially, the pressure exerted by the air column (P_air) and the mercury column (P_mercury) can be expressed as:
P_air = ρ_mercury * g * h_mercury
When inverted, the length of the air column will increase as the mercury level drops. The new height of the air column can be calculated using the relationship of the initial and final states:
h_air_initial + h_mercury_initial = h_air_final + h_mercury_final
Given that the mercury column is 10 cm long and the initial air column is 20 cm, the new air column length will be:
h_air_final = h_air_initial + h_mercury_initial - h_mercury_final
After calculations, you will find that the new length of the air column is 30 cm when the tube is inverted.
These problems illustrate the interplay between mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, showcasing the beauty of physics in understanding real-world phenomena.
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