Newtons law of cooling vs conduction equation in solids

In summary, Newton's law of cooling and the conduction equation can both be applied to solids, but may not be as effective for liquids and gases due to other factors such as evaporation and convection. While Newton's law does not deal directly with heat transfer, it is connected to it through temperature and cooling rates.
  • #1
kundukoustav
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I know that Newtons law of cooling is useful when a solid is transferring heat to a fluid. And conduction equation is used in solids.
My question is: 1) Can Newtons law of cooling be applied in case of solids (apart from Heat conduction equation)? 2) Can Newtons law of cooling be applied in case of fluid to fluid heat transfer (like, for example, hot water to ambient air)?
Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
The two equations are not really completely separate equations.

Both can be applied to solids, and less effectively to liquids and gasses because there are other possible significant effects like evaporation/condensation and convection in play.

Newton's law does not directly deal with heat transfer (heat and temperature are not the same thing) however the rate of heat transfer is proportional to the temperature difference and the rate of cooling is often proportional to the rate of heat transfer so the equations are linked.
 

Related to Newtons law of cooling vs conduction equation in solids

1. How do Newton's law of cooling and the conduction equation differ?

Newton's law of cooling is used to describe the rate at which an object's temperature changes when it is in contact with a medium of different temperature. The conduction equation, on the other hand, describes how heat is transferred within a solid material. While both equations involve temperature changes, they are based on different principles and have different applications.

2. Can Newton's law of cooling and the conduction equation be used interchangeably?

No, they cannot be used interchangeably. Newton's law of cooling is specifically for convection heat transfer, while the conduction equation is for conductive heat transfer. They also have different units and assumptions that must be met for accurate use.

3. How are Newton's law of cooling and the conduction equation related?

There is a relationship between the two equations, as both involve temperature changes. In fact, the conduction equation can be used to derive Newton's law of cooling under certain conditions, such as when the temperature difference between the object and the medium is small.

4. What are the limitations of using Newton's law of cooling and the conduction equation?

Both equations have certain assumptions and limitations that must be considered when using them. For example, Newton's law of cooling assumes that the object's surface area is constant, while the conduction equation assumes a steady state and uniform material properties. It is important to carefully consider these limitations to ensure accurate results.

5. Can Newton's law of cooling and the conduction equation be applied to all types of materials?

No, they cannot be applied to all materials. The conduction equation is specifically for solid materials, while Newton's law of cooling is typically used for fluids or gases. Additionally, the material properties and conditions must be carefully considered before applying these equations to ensure accuracy.

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