Final answer:
To convert ice at -38°C to steam at 160°C, we need to consider the different stages of the phase transition and calculate the heat required for each stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the amount of heat energy needed to convert 400 grams of ice at -38°C to steam at 160°C, we need to consider the different stages of the phase transition. First, we need to heat the ice from -38°C to 0°C. The heat required to raise the temperature of the ice can be calculated using the formula: Q = m * C * ΔT, where Q is the heat energy, m is the mass, C is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
Next, we need to calculate the heat energy required to melt the ice at 0°C using the formula: Q = m * L, where L is the heat of fusion for water.
Finally, we need to calculate the heat energy required to raise the temperature of the water from 0°C to 160°C using the formula: Q = m * C * ΔT. By adding up these three stages, we can find the total amount of heat energy required.