Finding the rate of heat transfer

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in heat transfer, specifically focusing on the calculation of the rate of heat transfer through conduction using the formula \(\Delta Q/\Delta t = -kA(\Delta T/\Delta x)\). Participants are examining the application of given data and the proper unit conversions involved in the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to substitute values into the heat transfer equation but questions the necessity of converting units, particularly whether to convert area from square meters to meters. Other participants clarify that the units should remain consistent and discuss the dimensional analysis of the equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in verifying the correctness of the original poster's substitutions and calculations. There is a focus on ensuring that the units align properly with the expected dimensions of power, and some guidance has been provided regarding the interpretation of units.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the potential for confusion regarding unit conversions and the importance of maintaining dimensional consistency in calculations. Additionally, one participant notes the age of the thread and the likelihood that the original poster may not respond further.

J-Girl
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Hi there, I have this complicated question and I am not sure that I am converting everything corectly. The question is:
"For conduction, the rate of heat transfer is given by \DeltaQ/\Deltat=-kA(\DeltaT/\Deltax)

Data given is:

k=806 W.m^-1.K^-1
A=2.53m^2
\DeltaT=-54.6^{}0C
\Deltax=5.50x10^-3m

"calculate the rate of energy transfer \DeltaQ/\Deltat, and give its correct S.I unit

I just substituted all of the data into the equation, but didnt know if I had to convert meters^2 into meters?
so this is what I had:
\DeltaQ/\Deltat= -(806)(2.53)[(-54.6)/(5.50x10^-3)]
and my answer was 20243496=2.02 x 10^7 W.m^2.K-1(J.s^-1.m^-2.K^-1)- is there a simple unit name for the answer?
 
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J-Girl said:
Hi there, I have this complicated question and I am not sure that I am converting everything corectly. The question is:
"For conduction, the rate of heat transfer is given by \DeltaQ/\Deltat=-kA(\DeltaT/\Deltax)

Data given is:

k=806 W.m^-1.K^-1
A=2.53m^2
\DeltaT=-54.6^{}0C
\Deltax=5.50x10^-3m

"calculate the rate of energy transfer \DeltaQ/\Deltat, and give its correct S.I unit

I just substituted all of the data into the equation, but didnt know if I had to convert meters^2 into meters?
so this is what I had:
\DeltaQ/\Deltat= -(806)(2.53)[(-54.6)/(5.50x10^-3)]
and my answer was 20243496=2.02 x 10^7 W.m^2.K-1(J.s^-1.m^-2.K^-1)- is there a simple unit name for the answer?

You cannot convert m^2 into m, this is nonsensical.

As for the final answer, you should end up with something that has dimensions of power (i.e. energy/time). This is clear from looking at the left-hand side: delta Q/delta t. Therefore, your answer should just have units of watts, and if it doesn't, then you've made a mistake.
 
oh okay thanks:) but in the working out, is everything right? I mean, converted correctly to get a number of 2.02 x 10^7 ?
 
Let us look at the dimensions of the right hand side of your equation

the thermal conductivity K has the units of W/mK

A is the area available for heat transfer and thus has a unit of m^2

dT/dX has the unit of K/m

so in all, the RHS has the units of W (Joules/Second)

the LHS must also have the same dimension !
 
As a followup, your substitutions seem to be OK, just that your units do not match up
 
Sri_Govind: this thread is 10 months old, and it is highly unlikely that the OP will check it any longer. Resurrecting dead threads for no reason (called "necro-posting") is strongly frowned upon. Don't do it.
 

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