How do you measure the transfer of heat

In summary, the person is asking about how to measure the transfer of heat from a heater to a solid object. They mention the importance of assuming that all the energy from the heater is going into the object being heated. They also provide a formula for calculating this transfer of heat, using the power of the heater, the time it is on, the mass and specific heat capacity of the object, and the rise in temperature.
  • #1
ben_kneale
5
0
*eh hem*, this is my first post in this forum and i have a query on heat transfusion, i think i have the right forum though.

how do you measure the transfer of heat from a heater of certain watt's to a solid of certain mass?

thank you in advance,
ben
 
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  • #2
FIrst, you have to make a huge assumption that the "watts" (this is the power of the heater) is going entirely into the thing being heated, and none of the energy is leaking into the atmosphere or anything else. For beginner physics this is OK, although int he real world you can be guaranteed that some energy will go elsewhere.

So, since "watts" is the same thing as "joules per second", then you multiply "watts" times the number of seconds that heater is on. Heat is the transfer of thermal energy. Power times times equals energy.
 
  • #3
well in a perfect system

energy lost by your heater = energy gained by the solid
Q = (Mass of solid)*(specific heat capacity of solid)*(rise in temp)
 

1. What is the unit of measurement for heat transfer?

The unit of measurement for heat transfer is joules (J). This is the same unit used to measure energy.

2. How do you measure heat transfer in a solid object?

To measure heat transfer in a solid object, you can use a thermometer to measure the change in temperature over time. This can then be used to calculate the heat transfer using the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat transferred, m is the mass of the object, c is its specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

3. What is the difference between heat transfer and temperature?

Heat transfer refers to the movement of thermal energy from one object to another, while temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules in an object. Temperature does not directly measure heat transfer, but it can change as a result of heat transfer.

4. How do you measure heat transfer in a liquid or gas?

In a liquid or gas, heat transfer can be measured using a calorimeter. This is a device that measures the change in temperature of a known volume of liquid or gas when heat is added or removed. The heat transfer can then be calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat transferred, m is the mass of the substance, c is its specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

5. What factors affect the transfer of heat?

The transfer of heat can be affected by factors such as the temperature difference between two objects, the thermal conductivity of the materials involved, the surface area of contact between the objects, and the distance between them. Other factors, such as the presence of insulating materials, can also impact heat transfer.

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