Cooling two six packs of beer in a small refrigerator

In summary, the conversation discusses a strategy for cooling two six packs of beer from room temperature to drinking temperature before dinner. The dorm room temperature is 72 °F and the desired drinking temperature is 61 °F. The fridge temperature is 44 °F and can only hold one six pack at a time. The strategy involves cooling the first six pack to a temperature below 61 °F, so that it will reach drinking temperature by the time the second six pack is cooled. It is noted that the temperature difference between room temperature and drinking temperature is 11 degrees, and the solution for the first six pack must be lower than 50 °F. The second six pack will be cooled in the same amount of time as the first,
  • #1
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Your dorm room has a temperature of 72 °F, and you have two six packs of beer that you want to get ready to a drinking temperature of 61 °F for dinner. Your fridge has a temperature of 44 °F, and experience has shown that a room-temperature six pack, placed in the fridge, will be at drinking temperature after 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, your fridge can only take one six pack at a time...
You devise the following strategy of having both six packs cool by dinner time:

Cool the first six pack to a temperature of [T][/low], which is suitably BELOW drinking temperature, so that when you take six pack #1 out, it will come up to drinking temperature in exactly the time required to cool six pack #2.

1.) To get to drinking temperature from room temperature takes a lowering by 11 degrees. Why is it that [T][/low] is NOT 50 °F (as one might naively assume)?

2.) Determine [T][/low], and the total time required to cool both six packs with this strategy.
 
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  • #2
First of all.. best homework question ever

Second of all: you need to show some attempt at a solution before we can help you.
 

1. How long does it take to cool two six packs of beer in a small refrigerator?

The time it takes to cool two six packs of beer in a small refrigerator can vary depending on a few factors. Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour for the beer to reach optimal drinking temperature. However, factors such as the initial temperature of the beer, the temperature setting of the refrigerator, and the efficiency of the refrigerator can all affect the cooling time.

2. Can I speed up the cooling process?

Yes, there are a few ways to speed up the cooling process. One way is to place the beer in the freezer for a shorter period of time before transferring it to the refrigerator. Another way is to wrap the beer bottles or cans in a damp paper towel before placing them in the refrigerator. This helps to transfer heat away from the beer more quickly, aiding in the cooling process.

3. Can I cool the beer faster by placing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator?

Not necessarily. Placing the beer in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back or bottom shelf, may result in the beer freezing or developing ice crystals. It is best to place the beer in the middle of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more consistent.

4. How long can I keep the beer in the refrigerator before it gets too warm?

The beer should stay cold as long as the refrigerator is kept at a consistent temperature. However, if the temperature fluctuates or the refrigerator is opened frequently, the beer may warm up quicker. It is recommended to consume the beer within a few hours of cooling it in the refrigerator.

5. Can I cool the beer faster by shaking the bottles or cans?

No, shaking the bottles or cans will not cool the beer faster. In fact, shaking the beer can cause it to foam and potentially overflow when opened. It is best to let the beer cool naturally in the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture.

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