Final answer:
The heat loss through a glass window can be calculated using the formula heat loss = k * A * (T_in - T_out), where k is the constant of variation, A is the window's area, T_in is the inside temperature, and T_out is the outside temperature difference. By substituting the given values into the formula, we can calculate the heat loss. Using this method, the heat loss through a glass window that is 12 feet by 24 feet when the temperature outside is 20 degrees colder than the temperature inside is 57600 btu per hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the heat loss through the glass window, we can use the formula:
Heat loss = k * A * (Tin - Tout),
where k is the constant of variation, A is the window's area, Tin is the inside temperature, and Tout is the outside temperature difference.
Given that the window 3 feet by 6 feet loses 1200 btu per hour when the temperature outside is 40 degrees colder than the temperature inside, we can substitute the values into the formula:
1200 = k * 3 * 6 * 40,
Simplifying the equation, we find that k = 100 btu/(ft·°F·hr).
Now, we can use the same formula to find the heat loss through a glass window that is 12 feet by 24 feet when the temperature outside is 20 degrees colder than the temperature inside:
Heat loss = 100 * 12 * 24 * 20 = 57600 btu per hour.