Physics
The rate law behind the curve
The differential statement, and the quickest way to read the initial rate.
The Formula
dT/dt = -k x (T - Ta)
The differential statement, and the quickest way to read the initial rate.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| dT/dt | Cooling rate | degrees per unit time | How fast the temperature is falling. |
| k | Cooling constant | per unit time | The fractional rate of gap loss. |
| T - Ta | Temperature gap | degrees | How far the object is from ambient. |
What Each Symbol Means
dT/dtdegrees per unit time
Cooling rate
How fast the temperature is falling.
kper unit time
Cooling constant
The fractional rate of gap loss.
T - Tadegrees
Temperature gap
How far the object is from ambient.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate newton's law of cooling page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Newton's Law Of Cooling, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.