174k views
3 votes
An object generates thermal energy under steady conditions, making it hotter than its surroundings. It has a large thermal conductivity and small convective heat transfer coefficient. The object's power is turned off. How does the objects temp change over time?

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

When an object with a large thermal conductivity and small convective heat transfer coefficient has its power turned off, it will cool down over time. The rate at which it cools depends on various factors including its thermal properties and the presence of insulating materials. Heat conduction is the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario, and the object will gradually decrease in temperature until it reaches the same temperature as its surroundings.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object generates thermal energy under steady conditions, making it hotter than its surroundings, the object will eventually cool down over time. The rate at which it cools depends on various factors, including its thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer coefficient. In this case, since the object has a large thermal conductivity and small convective heat transfer coefficient, it means that it is more efficient at conducting heat and less efficient at transferring heat through convection. Therefore, when the object's power is turned off, it will primarily lose heat through conduction.

In heat conduction, heat is transferred from a hotter object to a colder object through direct contact. As a result, the object's temperature will gradually decrease until it reaches the same temperature as its surroundings. However, since the object has a large thermal conductivity, it will lose heat more quickly than if it had a lower thermal conductivity. This means that the object will cool down faster compared to a similar object with a smaller thermal conductivity.

It's worth noting that the rate of temperature change depends on various factors such as the initial temperature difference between the object and its surroundings, the thermal properties of the object and its surroundings, and the presence of insulating materials or other factors that may affect heat transfer. However, in general, an object with a large thermal conductivity and small convective heat transfer coefficient will cool down more rapidly when its power is turned off.

User Rodolphe
by
7.4k points