Why does the temperature in a box change more dramatically than the temperature in the other?
Two closed boxes have identical heaters but the heat capacity of the left-hand box is much greater than the heat capacity of the right-hand box. The power switch controls both heaters.
- Run the model and turn the graph on to monitor the temperatures. Click on a thermometer to highlight its data.
- Use the buttons at the upper-right corner of the graph window to rescale the curves if necessary.
- When the left-hand side box reaches 5°C, turn off the power.
- Try to keep the temperature in the left-hand side box between 3 and 5°C by turning the power on and off.
- Compare the shapes of the two temperature curves.