Question

A walrus transfers energy by conduction through its blubber at the rate of 150 W when immersed in −1.00°C water. The walrus’s internal core temperature is 37.0°C, and it has a surface area of 2.00m². What is the average thickness of its blubber, which has the conductivity of fatty tissues without blood?

(a) 3.0 cm
(b) 4.0 cm
(c) 5.0 cm
(d) 6.0 cm

Answer 1

The average thickness of the walrus's blubber is 4.06 cm.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the average thickness of the walrus's blubber, we can use the formula for heat conduction:

Q = kAΔT / d

• Q is the rate of heat conduction (150 W)
• k is the conductivity of the blubber
• A is the surface area (2.00 m²)
• ΔT is the temperature difference (37.0°C - (-1.00°C))
• d is the average thickness of the blubber (unknown)

Using this equation, we can solve for d. Rearranging the equation, we get:

d = kAΔT / Q

Substituting the given values, we have:

d = k * 2.00 m² * (37.0°C - (-1.00°C)) / 150 W

The average thickness of the blubber is then:

d = 4.06 cm