Location
Comstock Memorial Union, MSUM
Document Type
Poster
Event Website
https://www.mnstate.edu/sac/
Start Date
15-4-2025 12:00 AM
End Date
15-4-2025 12:00 AM
Publication Date
4-15-2025
Description
Differential Equations can be used to model real-life situations. An object put into a constant temperature environment will eventually shift to that temperature. This phenomenon can be modeled with Newton's Law of Cooling. Our object is a room-temperature soda can that will be put into a freezer. Assuming the temperature inside the freezer is constant, this model will apply. Newton's Law of Cooling: dT(t)/dt = k[T(t) - E(t)], where E(t) is the environment temperature (assumed constant), T(t) is the temperature of the object, and k is the time constant. The goal was to predict how long it would take to freeze the can (to prevent explosion). This project utilized two soda cans to keep a sealed container in the freezer during the experiment. Both soda cans start at room temperature and are put into the freezer at the same time. One soda can is opened after an hour and its temperature is measured. These two data points will be used to generate a solution to the differential equation. The second can is opened after two hours to test the accuracy of this model.
Newton's Law of Cooling: The Temperature Dynamics of a Soda Can in the Freezer
Comstock Memorial Union, MSUM
Differential Equations can be used to model real-life situations. An object put into a constant temperature environment will eventually shift to that temperature. This phenomenon can be modeled with Newton's Law of Cooling. Our object is a room-temperature soda can that will be put into a freezer. Assuming the temperature inside the freezer is constant, this model will apply. Newton's Law of Cooling: dT(t)/dt = k[T(t) - E(t)], where E(t) is the environment temperature (assumed constant), T(t) is the temperature of the object, and k is the time constant. The goal was to predict how long it would take to freeze the can (to prevent explosion). This project utilized two soda cans to keep a sealed container in the freezer during the experiment. Both soda cans start at room temperature and are put into the freezer at the same time. One soda can is opened after an hour and its temperature is measured. These two data points will be used to generate a solution to the differential equation. The second can is opened after two hours to test the accuracy of this model.
https://red.mnstate.edu/sac/2025/cbac/6