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 Home > JCEDLib > QBank > Collection > CQs and ChPs > ChPs > Library ChPs >
Library of Challenge Problems (ChPs): States of Matter, Phase Change, Enthalpy
You have this great idea!  You will start a business removing snow from people’s driveways using a propane torch.
  • Assume you can buy 20 pounds of propane for $14.00. 
  • Consider whether you will leave the driveway wet or dry.
  • The heat of fusion of water is 6.0 kJ mol-1.
  • The heat of vaporization of water is 40.7 kJ mol-1
  • The specific heat of water is 4.18 J g-1 °C-1.
  • The heat of combustion of propane is –2220 kJ mol-1.

How much will you have to charge your customers in order to make a profit?

You may use these estimates:

  • Average driveway is 1000 ft2
  • Average snowfall is 6 inches.
  • 12 inches of snowfall is equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall.

(For simplification, you may neglect labor costs, and ignore safety consideration for now.)


Submitted by: Bill Green, Chemistry Teacher, E. O. Smith High School,Storrs, CT. Used with Honors-Level High School Students
 Home > JCEDLib > QBank > Collection > CQs and ChPs > ChPs > Library ChPs > States of Matter, Phase Change, Enthalpy


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