The discussion revolves around rearranging the formula Q=mc(T2-T1) to solve for the variables T1 and T2. Participants are exploring how to manipulate the equation to isolate these variables correctly.
The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts. There is a focus on clarifying misunderstandings about algebraic manipulation, and some guidance has been offered regarding the correct approach to isolating variables.
Some participants mention specific algebraic tricks and rules, while others express uncertainty about their application in this context. The original poster's initial equations have been questioned for accuracy, leading to further exploration of the correct rearrangements.
Welcome to the PF.Noah159 said:
This equation is also problematic. Starting with your equation Q=mc(T2-T1), it looks like you first divided both sides by mc. That is good. What expression did you get? And once you got that expression, what did you do to it to get T2=Q:mc-T1 ?Noah159 said:
So ...Noah159 said:
Yes you can. Here is how and why. Let w = Q:mc. Then your equation becomes T2-T1 = w. Now move things around to get T1 alone on one side. Finally, replace w with what it is the same as, namely Q:mc. This is how algebra works!Noah159 said:
