Problem 71
Question
The initial temperature \(T(0)\) of an object is \(50^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). If the object is cooling at the rate $$T^{\prime}(t)=-0.2 e^{-0.02 t}$$ when measured in degrees centigrade per second, what is the limit \(T_{\infty}\) of its temperature as \(t\) tends to infinity? How much time \(\tau_{1}\) does it take for the object to \(\operatorname{cool} 4^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) (from \(50^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) to \(\left.46^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right) ?\) How much additional time \(\tau_{2}\) elapses before the object cools an additional \(2^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) ? How much additional time \(\tau_{3}\) elapses before the object cools an additional \(1^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) (from \(44^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) to \(\left.43^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)\) ?
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedKey Concepts
Initial Value Problem
In our given problem, the initial condition is provided as the temperature of the object at time zero, which is 50°C. This information is crucial as it helps us determine the constant of integration once we integrate the given rate of change function. By resolving the Initial Value Problem, we can predict the future behavior of the system as it evolves over time.
Steps to solve an Initial Value Problem typically involve:
- Identifying the differential equation and the initial condition
- Integrating the differential equation to find the general solution
- Applying the initial condition to find the particular solution with the appropriate constant
Exponential Decay
For the cooling object, the cooling rate is described by the function \( T'(t) = -0.2 e^{-0.02t} \). Here, the exponential term \( e^{-0.02t} \) indicates that as time progresses, the rate of change decreases, leading to a more gradual cooling process.
A typical form of exponential decay can be expressed as \( A e^{-kt} \), where:
- \( A \) is the initial amount
- \( e \) is the base of the natural logarithm
- \( k \) is the decay constant, dictating the rate of decay
- \( t \) is time
Cooling Process
In this problem, the temperature of the cooling object is given as \( T(t) = 60 - 10 e^{-0.02t} \). This expression results from integrating the cooling rate and applying the initial temperature condition. This function allows us to predict the temperature of the object at any future time.
Key characteristics of the cooling process include:
- The final temperature limit \( T_\infty \) is 60°C as \( t \to \infty \), indicating a state of equilibrium where no more heat is transferred.
- The cooling rate decreases exponentially over time as seen in the equation.
- Despite initial cooling happening relatively quickly, the process slows as it approaches the surrounding temperature.
Integration of Functions
In our exercise, the cooling rate \( T'(t) = -0.2 e^{-0.02t} \) is integrated with respect to time \( t \) to get the temperature function \( T(t) \). The integration process involves finding an antiderivative for the rate equation, which gives us the general solution:
\[ T(t) = \int -0.2 e^{-0.02t} \, dt = -10 e^{-0.02t} + C \]
We use the initial condition \( T(0) = 50 \) to solve for \( C \). This lets us determine the particular solution:
\[ T(t) = 60 - 10 e^{-0.02t} \]
By understanding integration, we can move from knowing only the rate of temperature change to predicting the exact temperature at any given moment.