Final answer:
An Arctic inventor's idea of using ice to cool a car engine requires calculating the heat transfer from gasoline consumption to the ice's melting point, assessing the feasibility of carrying the necessary amount of ice, and evaluating the practical assumptions made.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Arctic inventor is considering using ice as a cooling agent for a car engine instead of a traditional water-cooled system. This concept involves utilizing the heat transfer from the engine to melt the surrounding ice, effectively absorbing the waste heat produced during operation.
Calculation of Ice Needed
If 80.0% of the energy in 1.00 gal of gasoline is converted into waste heat, it would be necessary to calculate the actual energy value of gasoline and how much of it is turning into heat that can melt ice. The energy would then be compared to the latent heat of fusion for ice to determine how many kilograms of ice could be melted.
Feasibility and Underlying Assumptions
The concept's feasibility depends on factors such as the amount of ice required versus the amount an automobile can carry, and how practical it is to replenish this ice in normal usage conditions. Unreasonable assumptions may include the availability of ice, the energy balance involved, and the practical issues related to carrying and utilizing the ice while the car is operational.