The rate of temperature change

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rate of temperature change of an object given its power input and specific heat capacity. It touches on theoretical aspects, assumptions, and additional factors that may influence the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about calculating the rate of temperature change using power input and specific heat capacity.
  • Another participant responds that mass is also required for the calculation, stating that the rate of temperature change is the power input divided by the specific heat capacity and mass, while noting the assumption of negligible temperature gradients.
  • A subsequent reply emphasizes the importance of heat conduction and heat capacity for finite size objects, suggesting that differential equations may be necessary to solve these problems.
  • Another participant mentions the relevance of Newton's law of cooling, indicating that there are additional complexities involved in the analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors necessary for calculating the rate of temperature change, with no consensus reached on a singular approach or model.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions regarding temperature gradients and the need for additional equations or laws are highlighted, but remain unresolved within the discussion.

veritassium
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I'd like to ask how to calculate the rate at which the temperature changes, knowing the power input and the specific heat capacity of an object?
 
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Hi veritassium, welcome to PF. You can't, without also knowing the mass of the object. The rate of temperature change is the power input divided by the specific heat capacity and the mass. Note that this solution assumes that temperature gradients within the object are negligible. Make sure to check the units.
 
Thank you very much
 
Also, the heat conduction as well as heat capacity is important for finite size objects. Yo will need differential equations to solve these problems.
 
You also got to use Newton's law of cooling...much more to this.
 

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