I from a physics brain: thermal capacity, conduction, cooling

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a home experiment aimed at achieving a cooling intensity factor (CIF) of 70 mW/cm² to reduce the temperature of a material from 30 degrees Celsius to 2 degrees Celsius, maintaining this cooling for at least one hour. The participant has access only to a household freezer and is considering various cooling methods, including water in plastic or metal containers and lead plates. The optimal solution will depend on the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the materials used, which are crucial for effective heat transfer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal capacity and conduction principles
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically thermal conductivity
  • Familiarity with cooling intensity factors and their calculations
  • Basic experimental design and setup for thermal experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermal conductivity of water in plastic versus metal containers
  • Investigate the specific heat capacity of lead and its effectiveness in cooling applications
  • Learn about the principles of heat transfer and cooling intensity factors
  • Explore alternative cooling methods and materials for thermal experiments
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics enthusiasts, experimental scientists, and anyone interested in thermodynamics and practical cooling solutions in home experiments.

Lord Monckton
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I am doing a zainy experiment at home.
I need to devise a way of applying a cooling intensity factor (CIF) of around 70 mW/cm2.
I need to cool material that is roughly 30 degrees Celsius down to around 2 degrees Celsius.
The cooling has to last for a period of one hour or more.
The surface area of the cooling devise has to be around 100 cm2.
The only equipment that I have at my disposal is a household freezer.
My plan is to place some sort of materials in the freezer, cool them down and then apply them to the target.
Should I use:
(A) Water in a plastic container?
(B) Water in a metal container?
(C) Lead plate covered in plastic?
(D) Lead plate inside a metal container?
(E) Some other household materials or a totally different method?

Please help. I have the attitude of a mad scientist, but struggle with algebraic concepts like thermal capacity and conduction.
 
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