if i fill a aluminum soda can with hot water, how will convection, conduction, and radiation transfer heat energy? will it change if i insulate the can (ie with plastic wrap, rubber etc.?) thanks!
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The hot water in the can will heat the can walls by conduction. The hot walls will heat the outside air by a mixture of conduction and radiation. The outside air will expand as it warms and reduce in density which will result in an upward force ( so long as the can is stationary within the Earth's gravity field ) on the air. The warm air will convect away from the can , cooler air will take its place and be warmed in its turn by the can... A convection current will be established which removes heat from the region around the can .
Back inside the can, the water touching the walls of the can will cool slightly, shrink in volume and with increased density fall to the bottom of the can, being replaced by warmer water. This is another convection current.
Back inside the can, the water touching the walls of the can will cool slightly, shrink in volume and with increased density fall to the bottom of the can, being replaced by warmer water. This is another convection current.