Why Is the Total Area for Calculating Heat Loss 320 Square Feet?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the heat loss rate in a room, specifically questioning the total area used in the calculation. The subject area includes thermodynamics and heat transfer principles.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand why the area for calculating heat loss is stated as 320 square feet, contrasting it with their own calculation of 80 square feet based on the dimensions of the room. Other participants engage by questioning the number of walls in a square room and how that contributes to the total area.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the reasoning behind the area calculation. Some clarification has been sought regarding the number of walls, but a complete resolution has not been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that all surfaces are insulated and are considering the implications of room geometry on the heat loss calculation.

tweety1234
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Homework Statement



Calculate wall loss rate in BTUs per hour. For a 10 ft by 10 ft room with an 8 ft ceiling, with all surfaces insulated to R19 as recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy, with inside temperature 68°F and outside temperature 28°F:

heat loss = \frac{Q}{t} = \frac{(Area) \times (T1-T2)}{R}

I don't get the working out,

can someone please explain why the area is 320ft^{2}?

\frac{Q}{t} = \frac{(320 ft^{2}) \times (68-28)}{19} surely its just 10 x 8 = 80 ft?
 
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tweety1234 said:

Homework Statement



Calculate wall loss rate in BTUs per hour. For a 10 ft by 10 ft room with an 8 ft ceiling, with all surfaces insulated to R19 as recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy, with inside temperature 68°F and outside temperature 28°F:

heat loss = \frac{Q}{t} = \frac{(Area) \times (T1-T2)}{R}

I don't get the working out,

can someone please explain why the area is 320ft^{2}?

\frac{Q}{t} = \frac{(320 ft^{2}) \times (68-28)}{19}


surely its just 10 x 8 = 80 ft?
How many walls are there in a square room?
 
gneill said:
How many walls are there in a square room?

4? But how does that make 320?
 
Dont worry, I got it,

thanks for your help.
 

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