Please confirm answer to thermodynamic question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the outside temperature of a greenhouse given the rate of heat loss through the glass roof, the dimensions of the roof, and the inside temperature. The subject area pertains to thermodynamics and heat transfer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the heat transfer equation but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their calculation. Some participants question the direction of heat flow and the implications of the greenhouse's function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the assumptions regarding temperature differences and the nature of heat flow in a greenhouse context. Guidance has been offered to reconsider the calculations based on the understanding of heat loss.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the outside temperature, as the original poster does not specify it, and assumptions about the greenhouse's purpose are being discussed.

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Homework Statement



The rate of heat loss to the outside through a 10mm-thick glass roof of a green house is 120kW. The length and breadth of the glass material of the roof are 20m and 2m, respectively. Calculate the temperature of the outside if the temperature inside the green-house is 25 degrees C.

Assume thermal conductivity of the glass material is 1.0W/m/degrees C.

Homework Equations



dQ/dt = kA(dT/dx)

The Attempt at a Solution



dQ/dt = 120000W, k = 1W/m/degree C, A = 20mx2m=40m^2 and dT/dx = (T-25degree C)/10mm = (T-25)/0.01m

T = 55 degree CI'm not sure this is right, any help is much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
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Where is warmer? Inside or outside of the greenhouse?

ehild
 
It doesn't state!

The exact question is written above.

Thanks!
 
What do you think? What is a greenhouse for?

It was said that the heat loss of the greenhouse is 120 kW. The greenhouse loses energy, heat flows out of it. What is the direction of heat flow? From a warmer place to a colder one or from a cold place to a warm one?


ehild
 
Heat loss:

\frac{dQ}{dt} < 0

Heat gain:

\frac{dQ}{dt} > 0

You must interpret the question and understand that a greenhouse is a structure to regulate and maintain a certain temperature in the inside, usually hotter than the outside environment.

Do your calculations again based on that.
 

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