Jump to content

Newtons Law of Cooling


Colin Bischof

Recommended Posts

Newtons law of Cooling states that the rate at which an object changes temperature is directly related to difference between the temperature of the object and its respective surroundings and can be written in a differential equation as so:

dT/dt = k(Tobject - Tsurroundings)

The question I have is, in practical terms, what does the proportionality constant represent? specific heat?

 

Edited by Colin Bischof
grammar
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Colin Bischof said:

Newtons law of Cooling states that the rate at which an object changes temperature is directly related to difference between the temperature of the object and its respective surroundings and can be written in a differential equation as so:

dT/dt = k(Tobject - Tsurroundings)

The question I have is, in practical terms, what does the proportionality constant represent? specific heat?

It can represent many factors. Yes, specific heat. But also surface area (ie the geometry of the object), how insulated it is, the colour and texture of the surface, etc.

!

Moderator Note

Moved to Physics as that seems more appropriate.

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Strange said:

It can represent many factors. Yes, specific heat. But also surface area (ie the geometry of the object), how insulated it is, the colour and texture of the surface, etc.

!

Moderator Note

Moved to Physics as that seems more appropriate.

 

Very interesting. Do you know where I might be able to find more information on the subject? Either way, thank you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.