Final answer:
The heat loss rate through the slab can be calculated using the formula Q = k * A * ΔT / d, where Q is the heat loss rate, k is the thermal conductivity of the material, A is the area of the slab, ΔT is the temperature difference, and d is the thickness of the slab.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heat loss rate through the slab can be calculated using the formula Q = k * A * ΔT / d, where Q is the heat loss rate, k is the thermal conductivity of the material, A is the area of the slab, ΔT is the temperature difference, and d is the thickness of the slab.
In this case, we can assume the ground temperature of 6 degrees Celsius as the reference temperature and the interior temperature of 21 degrees Celsius as the higher temperature. Given that the slab is 14 cm thick and the dimensions of the house are 10m x 15m, we can calculate the heat loss rate.
First, we need to convert the thickness of the slab to meters: 14 cm = 0.14 m
Next, we calculate the area: A = 10m x 15m = 150 m²
Substituting the values into the formula, we have: Q = k * 150 m² * (21°C - 6°C) / 0.14 m
For a more accurate calculation, we need the thermal conductivity of the slab material. Once we have that information, we can calculate the heat loss rate.