How does temperature vary with power in a room?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the power supplied to an electric heater and the resulting temperature in a room. Participants explore the nature of this relationship, particularly considering how it might be represented graphically, and whether it is directly proportional.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the graph of power versus temperature would be a straight line proportional graph based on personal experience.
  • Another participant questions the direct proportionality of the relationship, implying that other factors may influence the outcome.
  • A participant clarifies that the y-axis would represent temperature in degrees Celsius, while the x-axis would represent power output.
  • There is an implicit consideration of seasonal effects on room temperature, suggesting that the relationship may vary depending on external conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the relationship between power and temperature is directly proportional, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established specific equations or assumptions that govern the relationship, and there is an acknowledgment of external factors that could affect temperature readings.

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Homework Statement


A typical room is heated with an electric heater on which the power (and thus heat output) can be varied. What do you think the relationship might be between the power supplied to the heater and the resulting warmer temperature the room reaches? Ie if you were to plot a graph of power vs temperature what would it look like? (assume that the radiator remains on at the chosen power and the temperature is recorded once the room has reached equilibrium)

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



This is the bonus question of my homework and is not for credit, however I thought it was really interesting. From my own general experience at home, I would guess the graph would be simply a straight line proportional graph. What do you think?
 
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I would guess the graph would be simply a straight line proportional graph

What do the axes of the graph measure? Hint: if the heater is always on, do you think the room temperature will be the same in summer and in winter?
 
The y-axis would be in oC and would show the values for the maximum temperatures that the room reached at equilibrium and the x-axis would be the power.
 
But is it directly proportional?
 

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