Question
A sample of vegetable oil, initially in the liquid state, is placed in a freezer that transfers thermal energy from the sample at a constant rate. The graph shows how temperature T of the sample varies with time t.
     
The following data are available.
Mass of the sample = 0.32 kg
Specific latent heat of fusion of the oil = 130 kJ kg–1
Rate of thermal energy transfer = 15 W
(a ) (i) Calculate the thermal energy transferred from the sample during the first 30 minutes.   [1]
 (ii) Estimate the specific heat capacity of the oil in its liquid phase. State an appropriate unit for your answer.   [2]
(b) The sample begins to freeze during the thermal energy transfer. Explain, in terms of the molecular model of matter, why the temperature of the sample remains constant during freezing. [3]
(c) Calculate the mass of the oil that remains unfrozen after 60 minutes.          [2]
Answer/Explanation
Ans:Â
a i « » 15 × 30 × 60 » = 27000 «J» Â
a ii  27 × 10 3 = 0.32 × c × (290 250) OR 2100 J kg-1 K-1 OR J kg-1 0C-1Â
b
«intermolecular» bonds are formed during freezingÂ
bond-forming process releases energy
OR
«intermolecular» PE decreases «and the difference is transferred as heat»Â
«average random» KE of the molecules does not decrease/changeÂ
temperature is related to «average» KE of the molecules «hence unchanged»
c
mass of frozen oil « = \(\frac{27\times 10^3}{130\times 10^3}\) » 0.21 «kg»
unfrozen mass «= 0.32 – 0.21»= 0.11 «kg »