Question

Would it be desirable for a coolant circulating inside the engine of an automobile to have a large or a small specific heat \(c_{p} ?\) Discuss.

Short answer

A large specific heat is desirable for an engine coolant to efficiently absorb and remove heat.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Specific Heat

Specific heat (\(c_p\)) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.

- Heat Absorption

A higher specific heat means the substance can absorb more heat without a significant rise in temperature.

- Cooling Efficiency

For a coolant in an engine, a substance with a higher specific heat is desirable as it can remove more heat from the engine, preventing overheating.

- Conclusion

Therefore, it is desirable for a coolant circulating inside the engine of an automobile to have a large specific heat.

Key concepts

Specific Heat

Specific heat, often symbolized as \(c_p\), is a crucial concept in thermodynamics. It represents the amount of heat energy needed to increase the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius. Put simply, it's a measure of how much heat a material can hold before its temperature rises.

The formula for specific heat is given by:

\[ c_p = \frac{Q}{m \Delta T} \]
Where \(Q\) is the heat added, \(m\) is the mass, and \(\Delta T\) is the change in temperature. Materials with high specific heat can absorb a lot of heat energy without their temperatures changing drastically.

Engine Cooling

Engine cooling is a critical aspect of automobile operation. The purpose is to remove excess heat generated by the engine to prevent overheating and ensure efficient performance. Coolants are used in this process and circulate through the engine, absorbing heat.

For a coolant to be effective, it should have a high specific heat. This allows it to absorb substantial amounts of heat without significantly increasing its own temperature. By absorbing more heat, the coolant helps in keeping the engine temperature within the safe operating range. This prevents potential damage and ensures the engine runs smoothly even under load.

Apart from specific heat, coolants must also have good thermal conductivity and should be non-corrosive to engine components.

Heat Absorption

Heat absorption is the process in which a substance takes in heat energy from its surroundings. In the context of engine cooling, a coolant with high heat absorption capacity can take in more heat from the engine, thus preventing overheating.

When a coolant with high specific heat is used, it can absorb and carry more heat away from the engine. This keeps the engine temperature stable even during extended periods of use or under heavy loads.

Overall, good heat absorption helps in efficiently dissipating the heat from the engine, maintaining optimal performance and prolonging the engine's lifespan. Choosing the right coolant with high specific heat ensures effective heat absorption, crucial for an engine's health and efficiency.