How to Calculate the Cooling Time for Wine in a Refrigerator?

[mewrei]

(FYI, not a homework question)

How would I calculate the temperature drop on a liquid contained in a glass bottle as a function of the ambient air temperature around it?

Basically what I'm attempting to figure out is how to drop red wine to its optimal temperature of 60-65 degrees F, with a static ambient air temperature (the refrigerator), versus its previous static temperature (room temperature). The variable component being time of course.

I know there's going to be a component revolving around the glass too, acting as an insulator.

Thanks for your help

 

[Aaron Barnard]

The answer to your question depends on a few factors, such as the size of the bottle, the type of material the bottle is made of, and the insulation properties of the bottle's surroundings. In general, the temperature drop of a liquid contained in a glass bottle can be calculated using the formula:

Temperature Drop = (Ambient Temperature - Initial Temperature) * (Mass/thermal Capacity) * (Glass Insulation Factor).

The Mass/thermal Capacity is a measure of how quickly the liquid can absorb heat. The Glass Insulation Factor is a measure of how well the glass bottle insulates the liquid, which varies depending on the type of material the bottle is made of.

Once you have determined the temperature drop of the liquid, you can calculate the time it takes for the liquid to reach its optimal temperature of 60-65 degrees F by dividing the temperature drop by the rate of temperature change. This rate of temperature change is affected by the ambient temperature, the initial temperature of the liquid, and the Mass/Thermal Capacity of the liquid.

For more information on calculating the temperature drop of a liquid contained in a glass bottle as a function of the ambient air temperature around it, please consult a thermodynamics textbook or seek professional advice from a certified engineer.