Heat transfer equation puzzling results

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the heat transfer rate of a heated plastic plate using the formula Q = k × A × ΔT / d, yielding a puzzling result of 2.25W for a 1K temperature difference. The user questions the reasonableness of this result, especially in comparison to a 10K difference yielding 22.5W. It is noted that the low thermal conductivity of air significantly affects heat transfer, and the user is advised to consider convection and radiation in their calculations. The thermal conductivity value for air is highlighted as much lower than that of plastic, which complicates the heat transfer scenario. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate heat transfer calculations.
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Using heat transfer equation to find out heat transfer rate but reached a puzzling result, where did I do wrong?

Problem statement:
Heat transfer rate of a heated plastic plate in air, considering only one side, the size of the plate is 15cm X 15cm, assuming temperature difference is 1K.

Formula to use:
Q = k × A × ΔT / d

Q: heat transfer rate in Watts
k: heat conductivity of plastic, 0.2 W/(mK)
A: area, 15cm x 15cm
ΔT: temperature difference, 1K
d: thickness of plastic, 2mm

Results:
Pluging in the numbers, Q=2.25W. For 1K temperature diff. the palm size plastic can transfer 2W?

The result is not reasonable. Since for 10K temperature diff. that palm size plastic plate can transfer 22.5W of power. How to include the low conductivity of air into calculation?

Thank you very much for your help.
 
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Your value for k, about 0.2 watts per meter per deg. K, is a reasonable value.
Use area = 0.15 meters x 0.15 meters
thickness d = 0.002 meters
ΔT = 1 K
Q = 2.25 watts

Air is very different, and depends on whether there is convection or radiation. This table gives k = 0.024 for air: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/tables/thrcn.html#c1
 
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