1. What is Newton's Law of Cooling?

Definition: Newton's Law of Cooling describes the rate at which an object cools when exposed to a surrounding environment with a different temperature.

Purpose: It helps predict how quickly an object will reach thermal equilibrium with its surroundings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Current temperature (K)
• \( T_a \) — Ambient temperature (K)
• \( T_0 \) — Initial temperature (K)
• \( k \) — Cooling constant (s⁻¹)
• \( t \) — Time elapsed (s)

Explanation: The temperature difference between object and environment decreases exponentially over time.

3. Importance of Cooling Calculations

Details: Understanding cooling rates is essential in food safety, materials science, electronics cooling, and forensic investigations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the ambient temperature, initial object temperature, cooling constant (default 0.01 s⁻¹), and time. Cooling constant and time must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical cooling constant value?
A: It varies by material and environment. For water in air, it's typically 0.001-0.01 s⁻¹. For metals, it can be higher.

Q2: Can I use Celsius instead of Kelvin?
A: Yes, but use the same units for all temperatures. The formula works with temperature differences.

Q3: How do I determine the cooling constant?
A: Measure temperature at two known times and solve for k using the formula.

Q4: What are the limitations of this law?
A: It assumes constant ambient temperature and cooling rate proportional to temperature difference.

Q5: Can this calculate cooling time to a specific temperature?
A: Yes, rearrange the formula to solve for time when you know the target temperature.