Heat Loss from Boiling Water: Conduction & Convection

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In summary, heat loss by convection will occur at the top of the cup where the water is in contact with air, while heat loss by conduction will occur at the sides of the cup.
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ProgMetal
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Homework Statement


If I have a cup filled with boiling water, where will heat loss by conduction and heat loss by convection occur?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I think that heat loss out of the top of the cup (water in contact with air) will be convection, and heat loss out of the sides will be conduction. Is this correct?
 
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Hi ProgMetal! :smile:
ProgMetal said:
I think that heat loss out of the top of the cup (water in contact with air) will be convection, and heat loss out of the sides will be conduction. Is this correct?

Looks good! :biggrin:

(I suppose there's also conduction within the water itself, but I suspect they're not asking for that.)
 

FAQ: Heat Loss from Boiling Water: Conduction & Convection

What is heat loss from boiling water?

Heat loss from boiling water is the transfer of thermal energy from the water to its surrounding environment. This occurs when the water is heated to its boiling point, and the excess heat is released into the surrounding air or surfaces.

How does conduction contribute to heat loss from boiling water?

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects with different temperatures. In the case of boiling water, the water is in direct contact with the pot or pan, which is usually at a lower temperature. This allows the heat from the water to transfer to the pot, resulting in heat loss.

How does convection play a role in heat loss from boiling water?

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or water. When water is heated and begins to boil, the hot water rises to the surface while cooler water sinks to the bottom. This continuous movement of water allows the heat to be distributed and lost to the surrounding environment.

What factors can affect the rate of heat loss from boiling water?

The rate of heat loss from boiling water can be influenced by several factors, including the temperature difference between the water and its surroundings, the surface area of the pot or pan, the type of material the pot is made of, and any insulation present.

How can heat loss from boiling water be minimized?

To minimize heat loss from boiling water, you can use a lid on the pot or pan to trap the heat and prevent it from escaping. Additionally, using a pot with a larger surface area or one made of a material with better insulation properties, such as cast iron, can also help reduce heat loss. Finally, you can also adjust the heat source to maintain a constant temperature and prevent excess heat from being generated.

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