Question

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).

Answer 1

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

Rise in the temperature of the copper block, Δθ = 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 the copper block can lose, Q = mCΔθ

= 2500 × 0.39 × 500

= 487500 J

Let m₁ g be the amount of ice that melts when the copper block is placed on the ice block.

The heat gained by the melted ice, Q = m₁L

Hence, the maximum amount of ice that can melt is 1.45 kg.