Heating the inside of a box thanks to a lamp

In summary, the box's measurements are 277*120*195mm and the lamp's power is 15W. In order to calculate the time it will take for the box to reach a given temperature, we can use the equations ΔU=m*cp*ΔTemperature and E=p*Δt. Assuming the inside of the box is only air, we can calculate the mass of air using the density and volume of the box. If there is no energy loss, we can set ΔU equal to E and solve for Δt. However, the presence of holes in the box and the different heat capacities of the lamp and box may affect the calculation. Additionally, without stirring the air inside the box, convection may
  • #1
Rajo Yajo
3
0

Homework Statement


The box's measurements are 277*120*195mm.
The lamp's power is 15W.
Trying to figure out how long it will take to heat the box so that it reaches a given temperature.
According to Wikipedia ρair=1,2kg/m3 and cp air=1004J*K-1*kg-1

Homework Equations


ΔU=m*cp*ΔTemperature
E=p*Δt

The Attempt at a Solution


If we suppose that the inside of the box is only air, we will have
vair=0.277*0.120*0.195=0.0064818m3
So, mair=vairair
mair=0.00777816kg
And,
ΔU=mair*cp air*ΔTemperature
We'll have,
ΔU≈7.8ΔTemperature
And if we assume there is no energy loss,
ΔU=E
So
7.8ΔTemperature=15Δt
Thus
Δt=0.52ΔTemperature.

The time I get seems to be too short.
Thanks in advance :wink:
 
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  • #2
I think your answer is correct. The volume is very small - a cube around 20 cm in each dimension.
 
  • #3
Is the box airtight?
 
  • #4
Thank you for replying :)

Actually, there are five little holes on the box. They allow to put temperature sensor inside the box.

Is it possible to calculate the loss of energy due to these holes?

ps: When we do the experience, it takes around 30 seconds to gain 3°C.
 
  • #5
If it's an incandescent lamp then most of the power is emitted as heat in the lamp itself. So you might need to allow for the heat capacity of the lamp and the fitting or wires?.

If the lamp is an LED then most (more?) of the power is emitted as light and that will be absorbed by the walls of the box. So you may need to allow for the heat capacity of the box walls. In addition some of the heat will be conducted and radiated to the outside.

Is the air in the box stirred so that the temperature recorded is representative?
 
  • #6
Rajo Yajo said:
Is it possible to calculate the loss of energy due to these holes?

With difficulty. You would need to know the air flow rate into and out of the box. Easier to just seal them up.
 
  • #7
Rajo Yajo said:
ps: When we do the experience, it takes around 30 seconds to gain 3°C.
Are you measuring the temperature of the air inside the box or of the box itself? What about the heat capacity of the box? Your original post asks about the box reaching "a given temperature."
 
  • #8
It is an incadescent lamp, but I don't know whether I should consider its heat capacity to be E=P*Δt or use the heat capacity of tungsten.

The air inside the box is not stirred.
So I guess that the majority of the heat transfert is done by convection.

We are measuring the temperature of the air inside of the box (sorry for the ambiguity).
 
  • #9
Pretty sure convection won't even start until the glass of the bulb is hot and convection can be quite a slow process. I would use the specific heat capacity of the glass part of the bulb. The filament gets white hot pretty quick so it's heat capacity will be very low.
 

1. How does a lamp heat the inside of a box?

A lamp heats the inside of a box by emitting infrared radiation. This radiation is absorbed by the walls of the box, causing them to transfer heat to the air inside.

2. What type of lamp is most effective for heating a box?

Infrared lamps are the most effective for heating a box because they emit a higher percentage of heat in the form of infrared radiation. Other types of lamps such as incandescent or fluorescent may also emit some infrared radiation, but not as much as dedicated infrared lamps.

3. How long does it take for a lamp to heat the inside of a box?

The time it takes for a lamp to heat the inside of a box depends on several factors such as the size of the box, the wattage of the lamp, and the starting temperature of the box. In general, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour for a lamp to fully heat the inside of a box.

4. Can I use any type of box for this experiment?

It is recommended to use a box made of a material that can withstand heat, such as cardboard or plastic. Metal boxes may also work, but they may heat up too quickly and cause safety concerns. It is also important to make sure the box is well insulated to prevent heat from escaping.

5. Is it safe to leave the lamp on inside the box for extended periods of time?

As with any experiment involving heat, it is important to take necessary precautions to prevent fire hazards. Make sure the lamp is not in direct contact with any flammable materials and monitor the box closely while the lamp is on. It is also recommended to turn off the lamp when not in use and never leave it unattended.

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