Question
(c) The student finds a picture of a heat exchanger used in an industrial laundry. The heat exchanger uses hot, dirty water to heat cold, clean water. This heat exchanger transfers heat faster than the heat exchanger the student used in the investigation. Explain why. __ ...................................................................... ........................................................................................an ...iii iiiii iii ..................................................................................................................... (Total 6 marks) (2)
Answer
4.2
(208 Votes)
Quentin
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
Heat transfer might be quicker in an industrial laundry's heat exchanger than the student's experimental one due to factors such as larger surface area exposed to the hot source, a greater temperature difference, and the possible utilization of better heat conducting material for its construction.
Explanation
The question refers to a scenario where a student compares a heat exchanger used in an industrial laundry and the one used in their classroom investigation. The industrial laundry heat exchanger is pointed out to be more efficient in transferring heat than the one used by the student. The reasons behind this could be multiple. 1. Size and Surface Area - The one used in an industry is likely scaled-up and has more surface area available for heat transfer, positively impacting the rate of energy flow.2. Temperature difference - A highly hot dirty water source can aid in transferring heat faster due to an increased temperature difference between the hot and the cold medium, as heat transfer is directly proportional to it.3. Construction Material - The functionalities of equipment often relate to the materials they are built from, the industrial one might be built using materials that are better conductors of heat.