What Is the Correct Internal Temperature of a Sealed Box with a Lightbulb?

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SUMMARY

The internal temperature of a sealed box with a 100 W lightbulb and a surrounding air temperature of 20°C can be calculated using the heat transfer equation. The box, constructed from 1.3 cm thick concrete panels, has a total cross-sectional area of 0.0484 m². The correct calculation involves using the total surface area of the cube, which is 6 times the area of one side, leading to a revised internal temperature of approximately 9°C instead of the initially calculated 54°C. This adjustment is crucial for accurate thermal analysis.

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  • Understanding of heat transfer principles
  • Familiarity with the properties of concrete as a thermal conductor
  • Basic knowledge of geometry related to cubes
  • Proficiency in solving equations involving temperature differentials
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  • Study the heat transfer equation in detail, focusing on the role of surface area
  • Learn about thermal conductivity values for various materials, including concrete
  • Explore the concept of steady-state heat transfer in enclosed systems
  • Investigate the effects of insulation thickness on internal temperatures
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Students in physics or engineering, particularly those studying thermodynamics, as well as professionals involved in thermal management and building design.

UMDstudent
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Homework Statement



A cubical box 22cm on a side is constructed from 1.3cm -thick concrete panels. A 100 W lightbulb is sealed inside the box. What is the air temperature inside the box when the light is on if the surrounding air temperature is 20 C?

Homework Equations



rate of heat transfer : heat / delta small t = (k*A*delta big T)/ L

Where : k = characterizes the material : (in this case its concrete) : 0.8 W/m K
L = Thickness of the panels : .013m
A = cross-section area = s^2 : (.22m)^2 = .0484

The Attempt at a Solution



100 W = ((0.8)(.22)^2(Tin - 20 C)) / .013m // the 20 C is the Tout

Tin = 53.5754 = 54 Degrees Celsius.

According to Mastering Physics this is the incorrect answer. To me it makes sense, and after reviewing my work, I cant' seem to find the error. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

-UMDstudent
 
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A cube has 6 sides.
 
Right but its asking for the cross sectional area of a cube. If i use A = s^6 : (.22)^6 = .000113 = very low number. Once this is plugged into the above equation, I get a HUGE number for degrees Celsius which makes no sense.

That HUGE number = 539,019 degrees Celsius.

-UMDstudent
 
Why use A=s^6 ?
The total area through which the heat passes is equal to the area of one side of the cube multiplied by 6.
Total area A =6 x 0.22² [and not 1 x 0.22² as you originally calculated]
The rest of your reasoning is fine.
100 = 0.8 x A(Δθ)/0.013

Which will give you a temperature difference 6 times less than the one you originally calculated, with Tin being correspondingly much lower.
 
Last edited:

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