1. What is Thermal Conductivity of Water?

Thermal conductivity (k) is a measure of water's ability to conduct heat. It varies with temperature and is important in heat transfer calculations in engineering and environmental sciences.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the thermal conductivity equation:

Where:

• \( k \) — Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)
• \( T \) — Temperature (°C)

Explanation: The equation provides an approximation of water's thermal conductivity based on temperature, with 0.6 W/m·K being the reference value at 20°C.

3. Importance of Thermal Conductivity

Details: Thermal conductivity is crucial for designing heat exchange systems, understanding natural convection processes, and modeling thermal properties in various applications from industrial to environmental systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the water temperature in degrees Celsius. The calculator works best for typical liquid water temperatures (0-100°C).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this approximation?
A: This linear approximation is reasonably accurate for most engineering purposes between 0-100°C, but for precise calculations, consult detailed thermal property tables.

Q2: Does this work for ice or steam?
A: No, this equation is specifically for liquid water. Ice and steam have different thermal conductivity properties.

Q3: Why does thermal conductivity change with temperature?
A: As temperature increases, water molecules move more vigorously, changing how efficiently heat is transferred through the liquid.

Q4: What are typical values for water's thermal conductivity?
A: At 20°C it's about 0.6 W/m·K, increasing to about 0.68 W/m·K at 100°C.

Q5: How does this compare to other materials?
A: Water has higher thermal conductivity than most liquids but much lower than metals (e.g., copper ~400 W/m·K).