What Factors Affect the Rate of Heat Loss?

In summary, the conversation touches on various scientific concepts such as the freezing process, the effects of stirring on temperature, the structure of a thermos bottle, and the rate of temperature change in a vacuum. It also reveals that the conversation may have been part of a post-lab assignment.
  • #1
franz32
133
0
Hello again...

1. Some claim that the freezer makes ice faster if one pours boiling water instead of cold water on the ice trays. Is this true? How come?

2. If one intend to drink a coffee soon, he has to stir it with teaspoon. How does that help?

3. How does a thermos bottle keep the water inside hot for a longer period? First of all, what is all about the structure of the thermos bottle?

4. Would there be a faster or slower rate of fall in temperature of a hot substance placed in vacuum at lower temperature? Why or why not?
 
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  • #2
1. There is no "how come"- it's false! The colder the water is to start with, the less time it will take to get to freezing.
(It is true that is you boil water before freezing it, you take some dissolved air out so that the ice cubes will be clearer- looks nicer at parties!)

2. Stirring with a spoon (I wasn't aware it had to be a teaspoon- why not use a coffee spoon?) exposes more of the coffee to the cooler air and incorporates some air into the coffee itself.

3. A thermos bottle has vacuum between the bottle itself and its outside cover. heat cannot conduct through vacuum.

4. Faster or slower than what? If you mean "than if it were not in a vacuum", being in a vacuum means it is not in contact with anything (like air) cooler than itself and so no heat conducts away. It will still lose heat through radiation but it will lose heat slower.
 
  • #3
wait a minute...

hhmmmmm... for some reason... those questions sound very familar... they're a post lab assignment!

Who are you franz32? from manila... hehe... you're a student aren't you...?
 

1. What is the rate of heat loss?

The rate of heat loss refers to the amount of heat energy that is transferred from a warmer object to a cooler object per unit time. It is typically measured in units of watts (W) or joules per second (J/s).

2. How is the rate of heat loss calculated?

The rate of heat loss can be calculated using the equation Q/t = kA(ΔT/l), where Q/t is the rate of heat loss, k is the thermal conductivity of the material, A is the surface area of the object, ΔT is the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings, and l is the thickness of the material.

3. What factors affect the rate of heat loss?

The rate of heat loss can be affected by several factors, including the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings, the thermal conductivity of the material, the surface area of the object, and the thickness of the material.

4. How does insulation impact the rate of heat loss?

Insulation can greatly reduce the rate of heat loss by providing a barrier between the warm object and its surroundings. This barrier inhibits the transfer of heat energy and helps to maintain a consistent temperature within the object.

5. Why is understanding the rate of heat loss important?

Understanding the rate of heat loss is important for a variety of reasons. It can help in the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings, the development of more efficient heating and cooling systems, and the conservation of energy and resources. It is also crucial in industries that involve the transportation or storage of temperature-sensitive materials.

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