What is the Solution to Part B in Newton's Law of Cooling Problem?

In summary, the conversation discusses solving a differential equation using Newton's Law of Cooling and finding the reading of a thermometer after a certain amount of time. The solution involves finding the heat transfer coefficient and using it to determine the final reading.
  • #1
cbarker1
Gold Member
MHB
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Dear Everyone,

I need some help figuring part b in this problem.

In the book states, "According to Newton's Law of Cooling, if an object at temperature T is immersed in a medium having a constant temperature M, then the rate of change of T is proportional to the difference of temperature M-T. This gives the differential equation $\frac{dT}{dt}=k(M-T)$."

a) Solve the differential equations

b) A thermometer reading $100^{\circ}$F is placed in a medium having a constant temperature of $70^{\circ}$F. After 6 mins, the thermometer reads $80^{\circ}$F. What is the reading after 20 mins?

The Work for part a:

$\frac{dT}{dt}=k(M-T)$

$\frac{dT}{M-T}=k dt$

$\int{\frac{dT}{M-T}}=\int{kdt}$

Let $u=M-T$
$du=-dT$

$\int\frac{du}{u}=-k\int{dt}$

$\ln\left({\left| u \right|}\right)=-kt+C$

$e^{\ln\left({\left| u \right|}\right)}=e^{-kt+C}$

$\left|u \right|=e^{-kt}*e^{C}$

$u=\pm Ae^{-kt}$

$M-T=Be^{-kt}$

$T(t)=M-Be^{-kt}$

part b:
T(0)=100
T(6)=80
T(20)= ?
M=70 ?
I have trouble figuring out k and M.

Thanks for your help

Carter
 
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  • #2
I would choose to express the solution as:

\(\displaystyle T(t)=\left(T_0-M\right)e^{-kt}+M\)

where $T_0=100,\,M=70$ thus:

\(\displaystyle T(t)=\left(100-70\right)e^{-kt}+70=30e^{-kt}+70=10\left(3e^{-kt}+7\right)\)

Now we need to find the heat transfer coefficient $k$. We are told:

\(\displaystyle T(6)=80\)

Thus:

\(\displaystyle 10\left(3e^{-6k}+7\right)=80\)

Can you proceed to solve for $k$?
 
  • #3
$k-\frac{1}{6}\ln\left({\frac{1}{3}}\right)=\frac{1}{6}\ln\left({3}\right)$

I got the final answer right.

Thanks for the help.
 

1. What is Newton's Law of Cooling?

Newton's Law of Cooling is a physical law that describes the rate at which an object cools down in a surrounding medium. It states that the rate of cooling of an object is proportional to the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings.

2. Who is credited with discovering Newton's Law of Cooling?

The law is named after Sir Isaac Newton, a famous physicist and mathematician who first proposed the concept in the 17th century.

3. How is Newton's Law of Cooling used in everyday life?

This law is applied in various fields such as meteorology, cooking, and refrigeration. It helps us understand how quickly an object or substance will cool down in a given environment, allowing us to make informed decisions about how to control or maintain temperature.

4. Can Newton's Law of Cooling be applied to all objects?

No, the law only applies to objects that have a constant temperature and are in contact with a medium that has a different temperature. It also assumes that the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings is small.

5. How is Newton's Law of Cooling related to the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that heat will always flow from a hotter object to a cooler object until both reach thermal equilibrium. Newton's Law of Cooling is a specific example of this law, as it describes the process of heat transfer from a hotter object to a cooler object until they reach the same temperature.

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