The Cooling Effects Of Varied Perimeter Objects

The purpose of our experiment was to determine if shapes with equal surface area but varied perimeter would have different cooling times. We conducted our trials using three different shapes: a circle, triangle, and six-pointed star. These were cut from 1/8 inch steel plates, all having equal surface area, but different perimeters. We attempted to start each shape out at 100ºC using boiling water. After time intervals of one, three, and five minutes, we analyzed the surface temperature of each shape by taking pictures using an infrared imaging camera. Evaluating the center points of each shape, we found that the greater the perimeter of the shape, the faster it cooled.

Research Done By:

Kurt Beyerchen
Armada High School

Ryan Kinch
Armada High School

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