Temperature and Heat
Everything around us is made of matter, and one of the key properties of matter is its temperature.
Temperature is a measure of the 'hotness' or 'coldness' of an object. It's a relative term; a cup of hot tea has a higher temperature than a glass of ice water. Our sense of touch gives us a basic idea of temperature, but it's not reliable enough for science.
Heat is the form of energy that is transferred from one object to another because of a difference in their temperatures. Heat always flows from a hotter object (higher temperature) to a colder object (lower temperature). This transfer continues until both objects reach the same temperature, a state we call thermal equilibrium.
Example
If you leave a glass of ice water on a table, heat flows from the warmer air in the room into the colder glass, causing the ice to melt and the water to warm up. Conversely, a cup of hot tea loses heat to the cooler surroundings and cools down.
- The SI unit of heat is the joule (J).
- The SI unit of temperature is the kelvin (K).
- A common unit for temperature is degree Celsius (°C).
When an object is heated, it can undergo several changes: its temperature might rise, it might expand, or it might even change its state (like ice melting into water).
Measurement of Temperature
To measure temperature accurately, we use a device called a thermometer. Thermometers work based on a simple principle: some physical properties of materials change consistently with temperature. The most common property used is the expansion and contraction of a liquid.
- Liquid-in-glass thermometers (like those using mercury or alcohol) rely on the fact that the liquid's volume changes linearly with temperature. As the thermometer gets hotter, the liquid expands and rises up the narrow tube.
Temperature Scales
To give a numerical value to temperature, we need a scale. A scale is defined by two fixed reference points. The most common reference points are:
- Ice Point: The temperature at which pure water freezes at standard pressure (0∘C).
- Steam Point: The temperature at which pure water boils at standard pressure (100∘C).
The two most familiar scales are Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- Celsius Scale: Ice point is 0∘C and steam point is 100∘C. There are 100 intervals between these points.
- Fahrenheit Scale: Ice point is 32∘F and steam point is 212∘F. There are 180 intervals between these points.
The relationship between Fahrenheit (tF) and Celsius (tC) is linear and can be expressed with the following formula:
180tF−32=100tC
Ideal-Gas Equation and Absolute Temperature
While liquid-in-glass thermometers are common, they can give slightly different readings because different liquids expand differently. A gas thermometer, however, is more consistent, especially with low-density gases.
The behavior of a gas is described by its pressure (P), volume (V), and temperature (T). For low-density gases, these are related by simple laws:
- Boyle's Law: At a constant temperature, PV=constant.
- Charles' Law: At a constant pressure, V/T=constant.
Combining these laws gives us the ideal gas law: PV/T=constant. This can be written in a more general form known as the ideal-gas equation:
PV=μRT
Where:
- μ is the number of moles of the gas.
- R is the universal gas constant, which has a value of 8.31 J mol−1K−1.
- T is the temperature in kelvin.
Absolute Zero and the Kelvin Scale
If we plot the pressure of a gas versus its temperature (at constant volume), we get a straight line. If we extend this line backwards, it seems that the pressure would become zero at a temperature of −273.15∘C. This temperature is called absolute zero. It's the theoretical point where a gas would have zero pressure and is the lowest possible temperature.
This concept is the foundation of the Kelvin temperature scale, named after Lord Kelvin.
- Absolute zero is defined as 0 K.
- The size of one kelvin is the same as the size of one degree Celsius.
- The relationship between Kelvin (T) and Celsius (tC) is:
T=tC+273.15
Note
The Kelvin scale is also called the absolute temperature scale because it starts from the absolute minimum temperature.
Thermal Expansion
Most substances expand when heated and contract when cooled. This change in the dimensions of a body due to a change in its temperature is called thermal expansion.
- Linear Expansion: Expansion in length (e.g., a metal rod getting longer).
- Area Expansion: Expansion in area (e.g., a metal sheet getting larger).
- Volume Expansion: Expansion in volume (e.g., the mercury in a thermometer expanding).
Example
Have you ever struggled to open a tight metal lid on a glass jar? Running hot water over the lid makes the metal expand more than the glass, loosening it enough to open easily.
Coefficient of Linear Expansion
For a small change in temperature, ΔT, the fractional change in length (Δl/l) of a rod is directly proportional to ΔT.
lΔl=αlΔT
Here, αl is the coefficient of linear expansion. It is a property of the material and tells us how much it expands for each degree of temperature change. Metals generally have higher values of αl than materials like glass.
Coefficient of Volume Expansion
Similarly, the fractional change in volume (ΔV/V) is proportional to the temperature change ΔT.
αV=(VΔV)ΔT1
Here, αV is the coefficient of volume expansion. For an isotropic solid (one that expands equally in all directions), the relationship between the volume and linear expansion coefficients is simple:
αV=3αl
Anomalous Behavior of Water
Water behaves unusually. Instead of expanding when heated from 0∘C, it actually contracts between 0∘C and 4∘C. This means water has its maximum density at 4∘C.
This property is crucial for aquatic life. In winter, as a lake cools, the surface water gets denser and sinks. This process stops once the entire lake reaches 4∘C. As the surface water cools further (below 4∘C), it becomes less dense and stays on top, where it eventually freezes. Because the ice forms on the surface, it insulates the water below, allowing fish and other organisms to survive in the liquid water at the bottom.
Thermal Stress
What if you try to prevent an object from expanding? If you heat a metal rod but fix its ends so it can't get longer, a large compressive force will build up inside it. This is called thermal stress.
Example
Steel railway tracks are laid with small gaps between them. On a hot day, the tracks expand into these gaps. Without the gaps, the thermal stress would be strong enough to buckle and bend the rails.
Example
Show that the coefficient of area expansion, (ΔA/A)/ΔT, of a rectangular sheet of the solid is twice its linear expansivity, α1.
Given
- A rectangular sheet with initial length a and breadth b.
- Initial area A=ab.
- Coefficient of linear expansion is αl.
- Temperature increases by ΔT.
To Find
The relationship between the coefficient of area expansion and αl.
- Change in length: Δa=αlaΔT
- Change in breadth: Δb=αlbΔT
- New area A′=(a+Δa)(b+Δb)
- Change in area ΔA=A′−A
Solution
The new area is A′=(a+Δa)(b+Δb)=ab+aΔb+bΔa+(Δa)(Δb).
The increase in area is ΔA=A′−A=aΔb+bΔa+(Δa)(Δb).
Substitute the expressions for Δa and Δb:
ΔA=a(αlbΔT)+b(αlaΔT)+(αlaΔT)(αlbΔT)
ΔA=2αlabΔT+(αl)2ab(ΔT)2
Since A=ab,
ΔA=2αlAΔT+(αl)2A(ΔT)2
The value of αl is very small (around 10−5 K−1), so the term (αl)2 is extremely small and can be neglected.
ΔA≈2αlAΔT
Rearranging the formula to find the coefficient of area expansion, which we can call αA:
αA=AΔTΔA≈2αl
Final Answer The coefficient of area expansion is approximately twice the coefficient of linear expansion.
Example
A blacksmith fixes an iron ring on the rim of a wooden wheel of a horse cart. The diameter of the rim and the iron ring are 5.243 m and 5.231 m, respectively at 27∘C. To what temperature should the ring be heated so as to fit the rim of the wheel? (Coefficient of linear expansion of iron, αl=1.20×10−5 K−1)
Given
- Initial temperature, T1=27∘C
- Initial diameter of the iron ring, LT1=5.231 m
- Required final diameter of the iron ring, LT2=5.243 m (to match the wheel rim)
- Coefficient of linear expansion for iron, αl=1.20×10−5 K−1
To Find
The final temperature, T2, to which the ring must be heated.
LT2=LT1[1+αl(T2−T1)]
Solution
Substitute the given values into the formula:
5.243 m=5.231 m[1+1.20×10−5 K−1(T2−27∘C)]
First, divide both sides by 5.231:
5.2315.243=1+1.20×10−5(T2−27)
1.002294=1+1.20×10−5(T2−27)
Subtract 1 from both sides:
0.002294=1.20×10−5(T2−27)
Solve for (T2−27):
T2−27=1.20×10−50.002294≈191.17
Solve for T2:
T2=191.17+27=218.17∘C
Final Answer The ring should be heated to approximately 218∘C.
Specific Heat Capacity
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance depends on three factors:
- The mass of the substance (m).
- The desired change in temperature (ΔT).
- The nature of the substance itself.
Heat Capacity (S) is the amount of heat (ΔQ) needed to raise the temperature of a substance by one unit (ΔT).
S=ΔTΔQ
Different materials require different amounts of heat to change their temperature. This unique property is called specific heat capacity.
Specific Heat Capacity (s) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree.
s=m1ΔTΔQ
The SI unit for specific heat capacity is J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹.
Water has a very high specific heat capacity (4186 J kg−1K−1). This means it takes a lot of energy to heat water up, and it releases a lot of energy as it cools down.
- Coolant: Water is used in car radiators because it can absorb a large amount of heat from the engine without its temperature rising too quickly.
- Climate: Coastal areas have milder climates because the ocean absorbs huge amounts of heat in the summer and releases it slowly in the winter, moderating the temperature. Deserts, with sandy soil (low specific heat), heat up very quickly during the day and cool down very quickly at night.
Molar Specific Heat Capacity (C) is used when the amount of substance is measured in moles (μ) instead of mass.
C=μ1ΔTΔQ
The SI unit is J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. For gases, we specify whether the heat is added at constant pressure (Cp) or constant volume (Cv).
Calorimetry
Calorimetry is the science of measuring heat. It works on a fundamental principle: in an isolated system, heat lost by a hot object is equal to the heat gained by a cold object.
A calorimeter is a device used to measure heat transfer. It typically consists of an insulated container (often made of copper) with a stirrer and a thermometer. The insulation minimizes heat exchange with the surroundings, so we can assume that all the heat transfer happens between the objects inside.
Example
A sphere of 0.047 kg aluminium is placed for sufficient time in a vessel containing boiling water, so that the sphere is at 100∘C. It is then immediately transferred to 0.14 kg copper calorimeter containing 0.25 kg water at 20∘C. The temperature of water rises and attains a steady state at 23∘C. Calculate the specific heat capacity of aluminium.
Given
- Mass of aluminium sphere, mAl=0.047 kg
- Initial temperature of sphere, TAl,initial=100∘C
- Mass of water, mw=0.25 kg
- Mass of copper calorimeter, mcu=0.14 kg
- Initial temperature of water and calorimeter, Tinitial=20∘C
- Final temperature of the mixture, Tfinal=23∘C
- Specific heat of water, sw=4.18×103 J kg−1K−1
- Specific heat of copper, scu=0.386×103 J kg−1K−1
To Find
Specific heat capacity of aluminium, sAl.
- Heat lost or gained: Q=msΔT
- Principle of calorimetry: Heat Lost = Heat Gained
Solution
1. Calculate the heat lost by the aluminium sphere:
The temperature of the sphere drops from 100∘C to 23∘C.
ΔTAl=100∘C−23∘C=77∘C
Heat Lost=mAlsAlΔTAl=(0.047 kg)×sAl×(77∘C)
2. Calculate the heat gained by the water and calorimeter:
The temperature of the water and calorimeter rises from 20∘C to 23∘C.
ΔTgain=23∘C−20∘C=3∘C
Heat gained by water: Qw=mwswΔTgain=(0.25 kg)(4.18×103 J kg−1K−1)(3∘C)
Heat gained by calorimeter: Qcu=mcuscuΔTgain=(0.14 kg)(0.386×103 J kg−1K−1)(3∘C)
Total Heat Gained=(mwsw+mcuscu)ΔTgain
Total Heat Gained=[(0.25×4.18×103)+(0.14×0.386×103)]×3
Total Heat Gained=(1045+54.04)×3=1099.04×3=3297.12 J
3. Equate Heat Lost and Heat Gained:
(0.047)×sAl×(77)=3297.12
3.619×sAl=3297.12
sAl=3.6193297.12≈911.05 J kg−1K−1
Final Answer The specific heat capacity of aluminium is approximately 0.911 kJ kg−1K−1.
Change of State
Matter typically exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. A transition from one state to another is called a change of state or a phase transition. These changes happen when a substance absorbs or releases heat.
- Melting (or Fusion): Solid to liquid.
- Freezing: Liquid to solid.
- Vaporization: Liquid to gas (vapor).
- Condensation: Gas (vapor) to liquid.
- Sublimation: Solid directly to gas (e.g., dry ice).
A crucial point about phase changes is that the temperature of the substance remains constant while the change is happening, even though heat is being added or removed. The energy is used to change the state, not to raise the temperature.
Melting Point and Boiling Point
- Melting Point: The constant temperature at which a solid and its liquid form can coexist in thermal equilibrium.
- Boiling Point: The constant temperature at which a liquid and its vapor form can coexist in thermal equilibrium.
These points are affected by pressure:
- Effect of Pressure on Boiling: Increasing the pressure on a liquid raises its boiling point. This is the principle behind a pressure cooker, which cooks food faster because the water boils at a temperature higher than 100∘C. At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower, so water boils at a lower temperature, making cooking more difficult.
- Effect of Pressure on Melting: For most substances, increased pressure raises the melting point. For water, however, increased pressure lowers the melting point. This leads to a phenomenon called regelation: if you press a wire down on a block of ice, the ice under the wire melts (due to pressure), allowing the wire to pass through. The water then refreezes above the wire.
Triple Point
The Triple Point of a substance is the specific combination of temperature and pressure at which all three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) can coexist in thermal equilibrium. For water, the triple point occurs at 273.16 K (0.01∘C) and a very low pressure of 6.11×10−3 Pa.
Latent Heat
The heat energy required to change the state of a substance is called latent heat. The word "latent" means hidden, because this energy does not cause a temperature change.
The amount of heat (Q) required for a mass (m) to change state is given by:
Q=mL
where L is the latent heat of the substance for that process, measured in J kg⁻¹.
- Latent Heat of Fusion (Lf): The heat per unit mass required to change a substance from solid to liquid at its melting point. For water, Lf=3.33×105 J kg−1.
- Latent Heat of Vaporization (Lv): The heat per unit mass required to change a substance from liquid to vapor at its boiling point. For water, Lv=22.6×105 J kg−1.
Note
The latent heat of vaporization for water is very high. This means steam at
100∘C contains a huge amount of extra energy compared to liquid water at
100∘C. This is why burns from steam are often much more severe than burns from boiling water.
Example
When 0.15 kg of ice at 0∘C is mixed with 0.30 kg of water at 50∘C in a container, the resulting temperature is 6.7∘C. Calculate the heat of fusion of ice. (swater=4186 J kg−1K−1)
Given
- Mass of ice, mice=0.15 kg
- Mass of water, mwater=0.30 kg
- Initial temperature of ice, Tice,initial=0∘C
- Initial temperature of water, Twater,initial=50∘C
- Final temperature of mixture, Tfinal=6.7∘C
- Specific heat of water, sw=4186 J kg−1K−1
To Find
The latent heat of fusion of ice, Lf.
- Heat lost by water = mwsw(Twater,initial−Tfinal)
- Heat gained by ice = (Heat to melt ice) + (Heat to warm the melted water)
- Heat gained = miceLf+micesw(Tfinal−Tice,initial)
- Heat Lost = Heat Gained
Solution
1. Calculate the heat lost by the hot water:
Heat Lost=(0.30 kg)(4186 J kg−1K−1)(50.0∘C−6.7∘C)
Heat Lost=(0.30)(4186)(43.3)=54376.14 J
2. Calculate the heat gained by the ice:
The ice first melts at 0∘C and then the resulting water warms up to 6.7∘C.
- Heat to melt ice: Qmelt=miceLf=(0.15 kg)Lf
- Heat to warm melted water: Qwarm=micesw(6.7∘C−0∘C)
Qwarm=(0.15 kg)(4186 J kg−1K−1)(6.7∘C)=4206.93 J
Total heat gained = Qmelt+Qwarm=(0.15)Lf+4206.93 J
3. Equate Heat Lost and Heat Gained:
54376.14 J=(0.15)Lf+4206.93 J
(0.15)Lf=54376.14−4206.93=50169.21
Lf=0.1550169.21=334461.4 J kg−1
Final Answer The heat of fusion of ice is approximately 3.34×105 J kg−1.
Example
Calculate the heat required to convert 3 kg of ice at −12∘C kept in a calorimeter to steam at 100∘C at atmospheric pressure. Given specific heat capacity of ice = 2100 J kg−1K−1, specific heat capacity of water = 4186 J kg−1K−1, latent heat of fusion of ice = 3.35×105 J kg−1 and latent heat of steam = 2.256×106 J kg−1.
Given
- Mass, m=3 kg
- sice=2100 J kg−1K−1
- swater=4186 J kg−1K−1
- Lfice=3.35×105 J kg−1
- Lsteam=2.256×106 J kg−1
To Find
Total heat (Q) required for the entire process.
- Heat to change temperature: Q=msΔT
- Heat to change state: Q=mL
Solution
This process happens in four steps. We calculate the heat for each step and add them together.
1. Heat to raise ice from −12∘C to 0∘C (Q1):
ΔT1=0∘C−(−12∘C)=12∘C
Q1=msiceΔT1=(3 kg)(2100 J kg−1K−1)(12∘C)=75,600 J
2. Heat to melt ice at 0∘C to water at 0∘C (Q2):
Q2=mLfice=(3 kg)(3.35×105 J kg−1)=1,005,000 J
3. Heat to raise water from 0∘C to 100∘C (Q3):
ΔT2=100∘C−0∘C=100∘C
Q3=mswaterΔT2=(3 kg)(4186 J kg−1K−1)(100∘C)=1,255,800 J
4. Heat to vaporize water at 100∘C to steam at 100∘C (Q4):
Q4=mLsteam=(3 kg)(2.256×106 J kg−1)=6,768,000 J
Total Heat Required (Q):
Q=Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4
Q=75,600+1,005,000+1,255,800+6,768,000=9,104,400 J
Final Answer The total heat required is approximately 9.1×106 J.
Heat Transfer
Heat energy moves from a hotter place to a colder place through three distinct modes: conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without any actual movement of the material itself. It happens through molecular collisions.
Example
If you place one end of a metal spoon in a hot cup of soup, the other end will soon become hot. Heat is conducted along the length of the spoon as the vibrating molecules at the hot end pass their energy to their neighbors.
Metals are good thermal conductors, while materials like wood, plastic, and air are poor conductors (insulators).
The rate of heat flow (H) through a uniform bar is given by:
H=KALTC−TD
Where:
- H is the heat current (rate of heat flow, in J/s or Watts).
- K is the thermal conductivity of the material (a measure of how well it conducts heat).
- A is the cross-sectional area of the bar.
- L is the length of the bar.
- (TC−TD) is the temperature difference between the hot end (TC) and the cold end (TD).
Example
What is the temperature of the steel-copper junction in the steady state of the system shown in Fig. 10.15. Length of the steel rod = 15.0 cm, length of the copper rod = 10.0 cm, temperature of the furnace = 300∘C, temperature of the other end = 0∘C. The area of cross section of the steel rod is twice that of the copper rod. (Thermal conductivity of steel = 50.2 J s−1m−1K−1; and of copper = 385 J s−1m−1K−1 ).
Given
- Steel Rod (1): L1=15.0 cm=0.15 m, K1=50.2 J s−1m−1K−1, T1=300∘C
- Copper Rod (2): L2=10.0 cm=0.10 m, K2=385 J s−1m−1K−1, T2=0∘C
- Area relationship: A1=2A2
To Find
The temperature of the junction, T.
In steady state, the rate of heat flow through the steel rod (H1) is equal to the rate of heat flow through the copper rod (H2).
H1=L1K1A1(T1−T)
H2=L2K2A2(T−T2)
H1=H2
Solution
Set the two expressions for heat flow equal to each other:
L1K1A1(300−T)=L2K2A2(T−0)
Substitute the known values and the area relationship (A1=2A2):
0.1550.2×(2A2)×(300−T)=0.10385×A2×T
The area A2 cancels out from both sides:
0.1550.2×2×(300−T)=0.10385×T
669.33×(300−T)=3850×T
200800−669.33T=3850T
200800=3850T+669.33T
200800=4519.33T
T=4519.33200800≈44.43∘C
Final Answer The temperature of the steel-copper junction is 44.4∘C.
Example
An iron bar (L1=0.1 m,A1=0.02 m2,K1=79 W m−1K−1) and a brass bar (L2=0.1 m,A2=0.02 m2,K2=109 W m−1K−1) are soldered end to end. The free ends of the iron bar and brass bar are maintained at 373 K and 273 K respectively. Obtain expressions for and hence compute (i) the temperature of the junction of the two bars, (ii) the equivalent thermal conductivity of the compound bar, and (iii) the heat current through the compound bar.
Given
- Iron bar (1): L1=0.1 m, A1=0.02 m2, K1=79 W m−1K−1, T1=373 K
- Brass bar (2): L2=0.1 m, A2=0.02 m2, K2=109 W m−1K−1, T2=273 K
- Since L1=L2=L=0.1 m and A1=A2=A=0.02 m2.
To Find
(i) Junction temperature, T0
(ii) Equivalent thermal conductivity, K′
(iii) Heat current, H
- Heat current: H=LKA(Thot−Tcold)
- In steady state: Hiron=Hbrass
- For a compound bar in series: H=L1+L2K′A(T1−T2)
- Equivalent conductivity for two bars of equal length and area in series: K′=K1+K22K1K2
Solution
(i) Temperature of the junction (T0)
In steady state, the heat current through both bars is the same.
H=LK1A(T1−T0)=LK2A(T0−T2)
The terms A and L cancel out.
K1(T1−T0)=K2(T0−T2)
K1T1−K1T0=K2T0−K2T2
K1T1+K2T2=T0(K1+K2)
T0=K1+K2K1T1+K2T2
Substitute the values:
T0=79+109(79)(373)+(109)(273)=18829467+29757=18859224=315 K
Answer for part (i) = 315 K
(ii) Equivalent thermal conductivity (K′)
For two bars of equal length and area connected end-to-end (in series), the equivalent thermal conductivity is:
K′=K1+K22K1K2
K′=79+1092×79×109=18817222≈91.6 W m−1K−1
Answer for part (ii) = 91.6 W m−1K−1
(iii) Heat current through the compound bar (H)
We can calculate the heat current using the properties of the compound bar. The total length is 2L=0.2 m.
H=2LK′A(T1−T2)
H=2×0.1 m(91.6 W m−1K−1)(0.02 m2)(373 K−273 K)
H=0.291.6×0.02×100=0.2183.2=916 W
Answer for part (iii) = 916.1 W (using the more precise value for K')
Convection
Convection is the transfer of heat by the actual motion of matter. It only occurs in fluids (liquids and gases).
- Natural Convection: Happens due to differences in density. When you heat a pot of water on a stove, the water at the bottom gets hot, expands, and becomes less dense. This hot water rises, and the cooler, denser water from the top sinks to take its place. This creates a circulating flow called a convection current.
- Forced Convection: Occurs when a fluid is forced to move by a pump or fan. Examples include a forced-air heating system in a house or the cooling system in a car engine.
Example
Sea and Land Breezes: During the day, land heats up faster than the sea. The air over the land gets hot, rises, and cooler air from the sea moves in to replace it, creating a "sea breeze." At night, the land cools faster than the sea. The air over the warmer sea rises, and cooler air from the land moves out to sea, creating a "land breeze."
Radiation
Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves. Unlike conduction and convection, it does not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.
This is how the Earth receives heat from the Sun across the vast emptiness of space. When you stand near a fire, you feel its warmth primarily through radiation.
The amount of heat a body can absorb or emit by radiation depends on its color and texture.
- Black, dull surfaces are good absorbers and good emitters of radiation.
- White, shiny surfaces are poor absorbers and poor emitters (they are good reflectors).
- We wear light-colored clothes in summer to reflect the sun's heat and dark-colored clothes in winter to absorb it.
- The bottom of a cooking pot is often blackened to absorb maximum heat from the stove.
- A thermos (Dewar flask) has silvered inner walls to reflect heat radiation, keeping hot things hot and cold things cold.
Blackbody Radiation
A blackbody is an idealized object that absorbs all radiation that falls on it. It is also a perfect emitter of radiation. The radiation it emits is called blackbody radiation.
Two important laws describe blackbody radiation:
-
Wien's Displacement Law: This law relates the peak wavelength (λm) of the emitted radiation to the absolute temperature (T) of the blackbody.
λmT=constant
The constant is about 2.9×10−3 m K. This law explains why a heated piece of iron first glows dull red, then brighter yellow, and finally white-hot as its temperature increases (the peak wavelength shifts to shorter, more energetic wavelengths).
-
Stefan-Boltzmann Law: This law states that the total energy radiated per unit time (H) from a blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature (T).
H=AσT4
- A is the surface area.
- σ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant (5.67×10−8 W m−2K−4).
For real objects, which are not perfect radiators, we introduce a factor called emissivity (e), which is a number between 0 and 1.
H=AeσT4
For a perfect blackbody, e=1. A shiny object might have an emissivity close to 0.
If a body at temperature T is in surroundings at temperature Ts, it both radiates and absorbs heat. The net rate of heat loss is:
Hnet=eσA(T4−Ts4)
Newton's Law of Cooling
For small temperature differences between an object and its surroundings, the rate at which the object loses heat is directly proportional to the temperature difference. This is Newton's Law of Cooling.
The rate of loss of heat (−dtdQ) is proportional to the temperature difference between the body (T2) and its surroundings (T1).
−dtdQ=k(T2−T1)
where k is a positive constant that depends on the area and nature of the object's surface.
Since the heat lost is also related to the change in temperature of the object itself (dQ=msdT2), the law can be written in terms of the rate of temperature change:
−msdtdT2=k(T2−T1)
This shows that an object cools faster when the temperature difference is large and the rate of cooling slows down as the object's temperature approaches the surrounding temperature.
Example
A pan filled with hot food cools from 94∘C to 86∘C in 2 minutes when the room temperature is at 20∘C. How long will it take to cool from 71∘C to 69∘C?
Given
- Room temperature, T1=20∘C
- Case 1: Cools from 94∘C to 86∘C in t1=2 min.
- Case 2: Cools from 71∘C to 69∘C.
To Find
The time it takes for Case 2, t2.
Newton's Law of Cooling (approximate form):
TimeChange in temperature=K×(Average Temperature−Surrounding Temperature)
Solution
Case 1:
- Change in temperature = 94−86=8∘C.
- Average temperature = 294+86=90∘C.
- Temperature difference with surroundings = 90−20=70∘C.
Using the formula:
2 min8∘C=K(70∘C)⟹4=70K(Equation 1)
Case 2:
- Change in temperature = 71−69=2∘C.
- Average temperature = 271+69=70∘C.
- Temperature difference with surroundings = 70−20=50∘C.
Let the time taken be t2. Using the formula:
t22∘C=K(50∘C)(Equation 2)
Solve for t2:
Divide Equation 1 by Equation 2:
2/t24=50K70K
24t2=5070=57
2t2=57
t2=107=0.7 min
To convert this to seconds: 0.7 min×60 s/min=42 s.
Final Answer It will take 0.7 minutes, or 42 seconds, to cool from 71∘C to 69∘C.