# Heat loss rate directionality/sign convention

1. Nov 11, 2011

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
2. Relevant equations

$H=-k A \frac{\Delta T}{\Delta x}$

kconcrete = 1.0 W / m K (approx)

3. The attempt at a solution

$H=\frac{-1.0 (8 * 12) (10-20)}{0.23} = 4.17$ kW

My problem is that the book (Essential University Physics, Wolfson) has the answer as -4.17 kW, but that would imply that heat is being transferred from the ground to the house, which it clearly cannot be from the temperature of the house being larger than the ground's temperature.

I usually have problems with the sign of this value of H, how do I know what direction they are asking for by "through" an object - it could be either. Would either value be acceptable in an exam?

Thanks.

2. Nov 11, 2011

### RTW69

Are you sure the sign on delta X is positive? What is your coordinate system for the horizontal slab? Is x=0 the 10 or 20 C surface?

3. Nov 12, 2011

### technician

First of all you have given K to be 1.0W/mK. which means 1000W/K to be used in the equation . This gives the answer to the equation to be 4.17kW.
As to which direction, heat flows from hot to cold.
Sometimes worrying about the signs that crop up in equations can be confusing..... they are never 'wrong' but don't forget common sense.

4. Nov 13, 2011

### technician

Sorry! My mistake, mK is correct I misread it as milliKelvin and not as m.K
Ignore my previous response