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⚛️ Physics  ·  Thermal Properties of Matter  ·  NEET & JEE

Newtons law of cooling is valid only when:

Answer: The temperature difference between body and surroundings is small.

  • A The temperature difference between body and surroundings is large
  • B The temperature difference between body and surroundings is small
  • C The body is a perfect black body
  • D The surrounding temperature is 0 K

Correct answer: B. The temperature difference between body and surroundings is small

Explanation: Newtons law of cooling is an approximation valid only for small temperature differences between the body and its surroundings.

Heating Curve: Ice → Water → SteamHeat added (Q)T (°C)ice warms (-ve→0°C)melting (0°C, latent heat)water warms (0→100°C)boiling (100°C, latent heat)FLAT regions = phase change (all heat goes into breaking bonds, NOT raising temperature)

During a phase change (melting or boiling), temperature stays constant while heat is absorbed entirely as latent heat (Q=mL); temperature only rises again once the substance is fully in its new phase.

Concept context

Temperature scales, thermal expansion, calorimetry, and the three modes of heat transfer including radiation laws.

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