Question

A walrus loses heat by conduction through its blubber at the rate of 220 W when immersed in −1.00°C water. Its internal core temperature is 37.0°C, and it has a surface area of 2.23 m2. What is the average thickness of its blubber? The conductivity of fatty tissue without blood is 0.20 (J/s · m · °C).

Answer 1

The average thickness of the blubber is 0.077 m

Step-by-step explanation:

Here, we want to calculate the average thickness of the Walrus blubber.

We employ a mathematical formula to calculate this;

The rate of heat transfer(H) through the Walrus blubber = dQ/dT = KA(T2-T1)/L

Where dQ is the change in amount of heat transferred

dT is the temperature gradient(change in temperature) i.e T2-T1

dQ/dT = 220 W

K is the conductivity of fatty tissue without blood = 0.20 (J/s · m · °C)

A is the surface area which is 2.23 m^2

T2 = 37.0 °C

T1 = -1.0 °C

L is ?

We can rewrite the equation in terms of L as follows;

L × dQ/dT = KA(T2-T1)

L = KA(T2-T1) ÷ dQ/dT

Imputing the values listed above;

L = (0.2 * 2.23)(37-(-1))/220

L = (0.2 * 2.23 * 38)/220 = 16.948/220 = 0.077 m