Temperature Control of Steel Rods in Experimentation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on controlling the temperature of steel rods in experimental setups, particularly for high school-level experiments. Initial attempts involved using an alcohol lamp, but participants emphasized the need for precise temperature control, suggesting alternatives like using an oven for consistent heating. Key recommendations include utilizing Nichrome wire for heating and incorporating temperature sensors for accurate measurement. Induction heating was also mentioned as a potential method for achieving controlled temperatures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal energy concepts, specifically Q=cmT.
  • Familiarity with Nichrome wire and its applications in heating.
  • Basic knowledge of temperature measurement techniques, including thermometers and temperature sensors.
  • Awareness of electrical safety protocols when working with heating elements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the use of Nichrome wire for heating applications in experiments.
  • Learn about temperature sensors and their integration into experimental setups.
  • Explore induction heating methods and their practical applications in temperature control.
  • Investigate the design and use of controlled heating ovens for laboratory experiments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school science students, educators conducting experiments on thermal dynamics, and hobbyists interested in precise temperature control in metal heating applications.

jangheej
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I'm trying to control the temperature of a wire/steel rod in my experiment. (of various size from a simple wire to a steel rod of diameter 5mm)

In my preliminary experiment, I simply heated with alcohol lamp.
But I'm not so sure which equation to use and if Q=cmT is the right equation, how I could calculate the value Q.

I want to construct an experiment setting (with equipments available in high school level) so that I could alter the temperature of the wire as I wish.
Can you suggest some ideas??
 
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I don't think that equation is quite what you're looking for.

Next to using some sort of thermometer, I don't think there's an easy way to control the temperature of a metal rod.

From what you've written, it seems you are just holding the rod over a flame and so temperature control isn't a realistic option without some from of thermometer.

The way I conducted a similar style setup in university was to use an oven at pre-set temperatures to get the rod to the required temperature. That is the only way we could accurately control it.
 
There is too little information to answer this. A few questions (and it's easy to think of more)...

What temperature range are you interested it?
Do you want to heat the rod or wire but leave the rest of the apparatus at room temperature, or is it OK to heat everything
Does the rod/wire have to be in air when it is heated, or would it be OK in a tank of water, or oil?
Does it have to be at a uniform temperature along its length and a constant temperature over time?

You probably have two sub-problems here: (1) heating the rod and (2) measuring its temperature.
 
http://www.heatersplus.com/nichrome.htm

Nichrome is very useful for this, and it can be 'heated' electrically. If you want a well controlled temperature, you'd need to add some sort of temp sensor and feed this back to your electronic circuit. Make sure you understand electrical safety issues.
 
I don't know how accurately it can be regulated, but induction heating might be applicable.
 

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