Water of mass 2 kg at 80°C is mixed with water of mass 3 kg at 20°C. Find the temperature of the mixture — Physics problems | PhysLabo
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Temperature of a water mixture

Easy 10 grade Molecular Physics and Thermodynamics / Internal Energy. Heat

Water of mass $m_1 = 2$ kg at a temperature of $t_1 = 80°$C is mixed with water of mass $m_2 = 3$ kg at a temperature of $t_2 = 20°$C. Find the temperature of the mixture. Neglect heat loss to the surroundings.

Given
  • $m_1 = 2$ kg, $t_1 = 80°$C
  • $m_2 = 3$ kg, $t_2 = 20°$C
  • $t = ?$
Visual demonstration
Hints
Hint 1 / 2
The heat given up by the hot water equals the heat absorbed by the cold water.
Hint 2 / 2
The specific heat capacity of water cancels out of the heat balance equation.
Solution

The hot water gives up as much heat as the cold water absorbs (the specific heat capacity is the same and cancels out):

$$c m_1 (t_1 - t) = c m_2 (t - t_2)$$

$$t = \frac{m_1 t_1 + m_2 t_2}{m_1 + m_2} = \frac{2 \cdot 80 + 3 \cdot 20}{2 + 3} = \frac{160 + 60}{5} = 44°\text{C}$$

Answer

$t = 44°$C