Newton's Law of Cooling constant k

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Newton's Law of Cooling, specifically focusing on the constant k, its representation, units, and its applicability in scenarios involving heating of cold objects in warmer environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the meaning and units of the constant k in Newton's Law of Cooling.
  • Another participant suggests that k corresponds to the convective coefficient h, which has units of W/(m²·K), and provides an equation related to the law.
  • This second participant warns against calculating h theoretically, mentioning the complexity of fluid dynamics and the potential dangers involved.
  • A third participant directs others to external resources for further information on k and its implications.
  • A fourth post presents a mathematical expression related to the law, indicating a differential equation format.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus on the definition of k or its implications, as participants express varying levels of understanding and provide different types of information.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the conditions under which Newton's Law of Cooling applies, particularly in relation to the heating of cold objects and the complexity of calculating the convective coefficient.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or those seeking clarification on Newton's Law of Cooling and its applications.

maccaman
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
In Newton's Law of Cooling, we have the constant k, i was just wondering (most people will prolly laugh at me) what the constant k represents, and what units this constant would have.

Also, can the law describe a cold object being heated up in a warmer environment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You should typewrite your equation us to be sure. I guess you want to say:

q=h*(T-Ts) (Newton Law of cooling);

where h (k yours) is the convective coefficient in W/(m^2)K

Well, I wish you will never need to calculate h theoretically. It is used when it exists a heat transferring due to fluids movement or fluid to solid boundary movement. It could be calculated in two ways:

i) solving Navier Stokes equation for the fluid motion. (it would be dangerous for your health).

ii) using heavies correlations involving the Fluid Mechanics Numbers (Reynolds, Prandtl, Nusselt, etc).
 
dy/dx = k(y - C)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Undergrad Newton's Law of Cooling - "k" constant
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Newton's law of cooling - formula for constant k
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
High School Newton's first law?
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
5K
Undergrad 1st law of Newton as a special case of the 2nd law (historical aspect)
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Undergrad Are Newton's Laws just definitions?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Newton's Third Law in space
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
High School Why Does Hooke's Law Use a Negative Sign in Scalar Form?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
High School The application of Newton's laws to fluid equilibrium
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad Extending Newton's laws -- Is the concept of force still defined?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
High School Does acceleration affect impact energy vs constant velocity?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K