Cooling/heating temperature rate change

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether different materials at the same initial temperature, when exposed to the same environmental conditions, will cool or heat at the same rate. The inquiry specifically mentions the comparison of viscous liquids and seeks to understand the underlying principles affecting temperature change rates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if different properties of materials at the same temperature will cool or heat at the same rate, using viscous liquids as an example.
  • Another participant suggests that the rate of cooling or heating depends on the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the materials involved.
  • The same participant notes that materials with more degrees of freedom in their molecular structure generally have greater heat capacity.
  • Thermal conductivity is mentioned as a more complex concept, with a reference to external articles for further information.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the concepts and indicates a lack of background in physics and mathematics.
  • Subsequent replies acknowledge the difficulty of explaining the concepts and invite further contributions from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the explanation of the concepts involved, and there remains uncertainty regarding the clarity of the information provided. Multiple viewpoints on the factors affecting cooling and heating rates are present, but no definitive agreement is established.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the concepts of heat capacity and thermal conductivity, with participants expressing varying levels of familiarity with physics and mathematics.

Ihaveaquestion
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Ok, so I could do an experiment on this first, but I decided to see if anyone knew beforehand. So basically my question is will different properties of the same temperature, exposed to the same temperature, cool/heat at the same rate? For example would a more viscous liquid cool as fast as less viscous liquid of the same temperature undergoing the same cooling? I could use other examples but I think you get the gist. Also, I would appreciate explanations instead of just "yes" or "no". I know my question is very broad, but I appreciate any replies. Thanks.
 
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Drakkith said:
That all depends on the heat capacity and the thermal conductivity of the material. In general, the more degrees of freedom the molecules making up the substance have, the greater the heat capacity. See here for more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_capacity#Factors_that_affect_specific_heat_capacity

Thermal conductivity is much harder to explain. At least for me. Try this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_conductivity#Influencing_factors
I am still confused :/ I should mention that I have no knowledge in physics and very minimal in math. I am not super smart or anything either, just a very curious person lol.
 
Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to explain any better that those links. Perhaps someone else here can.
 
Drakkith said:
Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to explain any better that those links. Perhaps someone else here can.
All good. I appreciate you trying to explain to me.
 

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