Conduct this experiment to determine the combined heat transfer coefficient between an incandescent lightbulb and the surrounding air and surfaces using a 60-W lightbulb. You will need a thermometer, which can be purchased in a hardware store, and a metal glue. You will also need a piece of string and a ruler to calculate the surface area of the lightbulb. First, measure the air temperature in the room, and then glue the tip of the thermocouple wire of the thermometer to the glass of the lightbulb. Turn the light on and wait until the temperature reading stabilizes. The temperature reading will give the surface temperature of the lightbulb. Assuming 10 percent of the rated power of the bulb is converted to light and is transmitted by the glass, calculate the heat transfer coefficient from Newton’s law of cooling.
