Problem 3.10 (Schroeder’s Intro to Thermal Physics)

Problem 3.10

An ice cube (mass 30 g) at 0°C is left sitting on the kitchen table, where it gradually melts. The temperature in the kitchen is 25°C.
(a) Calculate the change in the entropy of the ice cube as it melts into water at 0°C. (Don’t worry about the fact that the volume changes somewhat.)
(b) Calculate the change in the entropy of the water (from the melted ice) as its temperature rises from 0°C to 25°C.
(c) Calculate the change in the entropy of the kitchen as it gives up heat to the melting ice/water.
(d) Calculate the net change in the entropy of the universe during this process. Is the net change positive, negative, or zero? Is this what you would expect?

Solution:

Problem 3.10 Solution (Download)

Find more Schroeder solutions here.

Do you prefer video lectures over reading a webpage? Follow us on YouTube to stay updated with the latest video content!