Understanding Newton's Law of Cooling and Its Derivation | dQ/dt = KA(dT/dx)"

In summary, Newton's law of cooling, represented by the equation dQ/dt = KA(θ - θo), applies to the surface interface between two materials. On the other hand, Fourier's law, represented by the equation dQ/dt = KA(dT/dx), applies to the heat transfer within a material. Q has different meanings in these two equations, with Q representing temperature in Newton's law and heat in Fourier's law. The latter can be related to a change in temperature through the continuity equation.
  • #1
andyrk
658
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Newton's law of cooling is: dQ/dt = KA(θ - θo). Then where does the equation dQ/dt = KA(dT/dx) come from?
 
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  • #2
andyrk said:
Newton's law of cooling is: dQ/dt = KA(θ - θo).

This generally applies to the surface interface between two materials.

andyrk said:
Then where does the equation dQ/dt = KA(dT/dx) come from?

This is Fourier's law (or something reminiscent of it, you really should define what you mean by Q). It applies to the heat transfer within a material.
 
  • #3
Orodruin said:
This generally applies to the surface interface between two materials.
This is Fourier's law (or something reminiscent of it, you really should define what you mean by Q). It applies to the heat transfer within a material.
How can dQ/dt have two different dimensions?
 
  • #4
K means different things in the two formulas.
 
  • #5
I would say that Q means different things too. Q in Newton's law of cooling is temperature whereas in Fourier's law it is heat.
 
  • #6
andyrk said:
I would say that Q means different things too. Q in Newton's law of cooling is temperature whereas in Fourier's law it is heat.
Well, Fourier's law is actually just a statement on the current. What appears in the left hand side is the heat transfer per unit time across a surface. This can be related to an actual change in temperature (or heat, they are related by heat capacity, volume, and density) through the continuity equation.
 

What is Newton's Law of Cooling?

Newton's Law of Cooling is a mathematical formula that describes the rate at which a hot object cools down in a cooler environment. It states that the rate of heat loss (dQ/dt) is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings (ΔT), and is also proportional to the surface area (A) and the thermal conductivity (K) of the object.

What is the derivation of Newton's Law of Cooling?

The derivation of Newton's Law of Cooling involves using basic principles of heat transfer and calculus. It starts by assuming that the rate of heat loss is directly proportional to the temperature difference, and then using a small temperature difference ΔT to approximate the rate of change of temperature (dT/dt). This leads to the final formula dQ/dt = KA(dT/dx), where x is the distance from the surface of the object.

How is Newton's Law of Cooling used in real life?

Newton's Law of Cooling has many practical applications, such as in determining the cooling rate of hot beverages, predicting the cooling of electronic devices, and understanding the cooling of the Earth's atmosphere. It is also used in industries that involve heat transfer, such as refrigeration and air conditioning.

What factors affect the rate of cooling according to Newton's Law?

The rate of cooling according to Newton's Law is affected by the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings, the surface area of the object, and the thermal conductivity of the object. Additionally, factors such as air flow, humidity, and insulation can also affect the cooling rate.

How does Newton's Law of Cooling relate to the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

Newton's Law of Cooling is an application of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that heat will always flow from a hotter object to a cooler object. It also demonstrates the concept of entropy, as the total amount of energy in a system tends to decrease over time, resulting in a decrease in temperature.

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