What quantity of heat is required to convert 20 g of ice at 0 ºC to water at the same temperature? (Specific latent heat of ice = \(336\ \mathrm{Jg^{-1}}\))

Answer Details

To convert ice at 0 ºC to water at the same temperature, we need to supply heat energy to the ice to break its intermolecular bonds and change its state from solid to liquid. The amount of heat energy required for this process is known as the specific latent heat of fusion. The specific latent heat of fusion of ice is given as 336 Jg⁻¹. This means that 336 Joules of heat energy are required to melt 1 gram of ice at 0 ºC. In this question, we are given 20 g of ice, so the amount of heat energy required to convert it to water at the same temperature can be calculated as follows: Heat energy required = specific latent heat of fusion x mass of ice = 336 Jg⁻¹ x 20 g = 6,720 J Therefore, the amount of heat energy required to convert 20 g of ice at 0 ºC to water at the same temperature is 6,720 J. Therefore, the correct option is 6.72 x 10³ J.