A 5-gallon container of water (approximately 20 kg) having a temperature of 212°F is added to a 50-gallon tub (approximately 200 kg) of water having a temperature of 50°F. What is the final equilibrium temperature (in °C) of the mixture?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the principle of heat transfer, we can write:

mass of hot water x specific heat x (final temperature - initial temperature) = mass of cold water x specific heat x (final temperature - initial temperature)

Simplifying, we get:

(20 kg)(4.184 J/g°C)(100°C - 212°F) = (200 kg)(4.184 J/g°C)(final temperature - 50°F)

Solving for the final temperature, we get:

final temperature = 18°C

A 5-Gallon Container of Water (Approximately 20 Kg) Having a Temperature