Newton's law of cooling and temperature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Newton's law of cooling to determine the temperature reading of a thermometer after being exposed to different ambient temperatures over time. Participants explore the mathematical formulation of the law, the calculation of the cooling constant, and the implications of their results.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a scenario involving a thermometer's temperature change from 70°F to 26°F when exposed to -10°F air, seeking to find the temperature at 1:09 PM.
  • Another participant expresses a need for assistance due to absence during the relevant class discussion.
  • A participant mentions that the book provides an answer of 56°F, but they are unable to arrive at this conclusion.
  • One participant suggests checking the equation needed to find the cooling constant, k.
  • A participant provides the equation used for calculating k and claims to have computed it as -0.40.
  • Another participant challenges the sign of k, suggesting it should not be negative.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding their previous experience with a similar problem where a negative k yielded the correct answer.
  • One participant shares the form of the equation they used for temperature calculation and questions the correctness of their approach.
  • A participant indicates they have resolved their confusion and thanks others for their help.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the sign of the cooling constant k and its implications for the calculations. There is no consensus on the correct value of k or the final temperature reading at 1:09 PM, as multiple viewpoints and experiences are shared.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference previous problems and results, indicating potential inconsistencies in their understanding or application of Newton's law of cooling. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and differing interpretations of the equations involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying Newton's law of cooling, those seeking assistance with related homework problems, and individuals interested in the application of mathematical reasoning in physics.

kring_c14
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at 1 pm, a thermometer reading 70 F is taken outside where the air temperature is -10F (ten below zero). at 1:02 p.m., the reading is 26F. At 1:05 p., the thermometer is taken back indoors , where the air is at 70 F. What is the temperature reading at 1:09 pm?


Ive made a table like this
Tm= -10

T---- 70 --- 26 --- x

t---- 0 --- 2--- 5

am I supposed to get the temperature x, the do this??
Tm=70

T ---- x ---- n

t ---- 0 ---- 4
 
Last edited:
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I was absent the day this was discussed..I would really appreciate some help..thank you//
 
the answer in the book is 56 F but I couldn't get it right..
 
heeeelllppp..
 
Do you know the equation you need for this? Check your book. What you need to do first is use it to find k, the constant that describes the rate of cooling.
 
yes, it is ln(T-Tm)]^{T2}_{T1}=kt]^{t2}_{t1}

Ive already computed the value of k..it is -0.40

this is what I did
ln(26-(-10))-ln(70-(-10))=k (2)
ln(36/80)=2k
k=-0.40

did I do it right?
 
It shouldn't be negative, watch your signs.
 
i don't know where I am wrong.. there was another problem on Newton's law of cooling where I got a negative k.. but I got the right answer..
 
This is the form I used

T(t) = T_a + (T_o +T_a) e^{-kt} where T_a is the ambient temperature, T_o in the initial temperature, k is a constant, and t is time.

i don't know where I am wrong.. there was another problem on Newton's law of cooling where I got a negative k.. but I got the right answer..
Well I got a positive one using the above equation, but keep going. You'll know if you get the correct answer.

Are you sure your equation is correct?

What do you think your next step should be?
 
  • #10
ok I got it already...lots of thanks!
 

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