Newtons Law of Cooling

[Colin Bischof]

Newtons law of Cooling states that the rate at which an object changes temperature is directly related to difference between the temperature of the object and its respective surroundings and can be written in a differential equation as so:

dT/dt = k(T_object - T_surroundings)

The question I have is, in practical terms, what does the proportionality constant represent? specific heat?

 

Edited November 8, 2019 by Colin Bischof
grammar

[Strange]

5 minutes ago, Colin Bischof said:

Newtons law of Cooling states that the rate at which an object changes temperature is directly related to difference between the temperature of the object and its respective surroundings and can be written in a differential equation as so:

dT/dt = k(T_object - T_surroundings)

The question I have is, in practical terms, what does the proportionality constant represent? specific heat?

It can represent many factors. Yes, specific heat. But also surface area (ie the geometry of the object), how insulated it is, the colour and texture of the surface, etc.

!

Moderator Note

Moved to Physics as that seems more appropriate.

 

[Colin Bischof]

1 minute ago, Strange said:

It can represent many factors. Yes, specific heat. But also surface area (ie the geometry of the object), how insulated it is, the colour and texture of the surface, etc.

!

Moderator Note

Moved to Physics as that seems more appropriate.

 

Very interesting. Do you know where I might be able to find more information on the subject? Either way, thank you.

[Strange]

8 minutes ago, Colin Bischof said:

Very interesting. Do you know where I might be able to find more information on the subject? Either way, thank you.

Hopefully, someone better informed will be along shortly ...

 

[swansont]

It tells you something about the thermal conductivity.  It depends on heat transfer properties, area and the heat capacity of the object

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton's_law_of_cooling#Rate-of-change_of_temperature-difference_version_of_the_law