Calculus Word Problem - Thermodynamics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a calculus problem related to thermodynamics, specifically focusing on the rate of change of temperature of an object in relation to its surroundings. The problem involves integrating a differential equation to determine when the object reaches specific temperatures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss integrating the differential equation dθ/dt = 10(Ta − θ(t)) and express uncertainty about the integration process. There are attempts to derive the relationship between time and temperature, with some questioning the correctness of their integration steps and the inclusion of constants.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different integration techniques and checking each other's reasoning. Some have provided guidance on integration methods, while others have pointed out the need to consider initial conditions. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the integration process without reaching a final conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the initial condition θ(0) = 100 and the constant room temperature Ta = 20, which are critical to solving the problem. Participants are navigating through the implications of these conditions in their calculations.

brunocamba
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Consider an object at temperature θ in an a place which temperature is Ta. The rate of change of the temperature is given as: dθ/dt = 10(Ta − θ(t)). If the room temperature is constant at Ta=20,and the initial temperature of the object is θ(0) = 100. When will the object reach temperatures of 60,40 and 30?

Attempt:

Integrating both sides of equation dθ/dt = 10(Ta − θ(t)) , but i am struggling with that. I am not sure if it is θ = 10 * Ta * t - 5 θˆ2
 
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brunocamba said:
Consider an object at temperature θ in an a place which temperature is Ta. The rate of change of the temperature is given as: dθ/dt = 10(Ta − θ(t)). If the room temperature is constant at Ta=20,and the initial temperature of the object is θ(0) = 100. When will the object reach temperatures of 60,40 and 30?

Attempt:

Integrating both sides of equation dθ/dt = 10(Ta − θ(t)) , but i am struggling with that. I am not sure if it is θ = 10 * Ta * t - 5 θˆ2

The given equation is,

\frac{d\theta}{dt} = 10(Ta − θ(t))

Where θ(t) presumably denotes the temperature at a given time t. Dividing both the equations by (Ta − θ(t) you will have,

\frac{d\theta}{(Ta − θ)} = 10dt

This you can integrate to find the relation between time and temperature.
 
Thanks! Integrating this do i get -log(Ta-θ) = 10 * t ?
 
brunocamba said:
Thanks! Integrating this do i get -log(Ta-θ) = 10 * t ?

Yes! :smile:

You can also think about integrating,

\frac{d\theta}{\theta - Ta} = -10dt

Because it turns out easier to evaluate.
 
brunocamba said:
Thanks! Integrating this do i get -log(Ta-θ) = 10 * t ?

You left out the constant of integration. You need to use the initial condition θ =100 at t = 0.
 
Thanks! Yes I realized i was missing something, but I finally got it right. Thanks everyone!
 

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