temperatuurierinevuseks

Temperatuurierinevus, or in translative form temperatuurierinevuseks, refers to the difference in temperature between two bodies or points. It is commonly represented by ΔT = T2 − T1, where T1 and T2 are temperatures. A positive ΔT indicates that T2 is warmer than T1, while a negative ΔT means the opposite. The magnitude |ΔT| expresses how large the temperature difference is. For practical purposes, temperature differences are measured in kelvin (K) or degrees Celsius (°C), and 1 K equals 1 °C for differences, allowing ΔT to be expressed in either unit as long as the units are consistent.

The temperature difference is the driving force behind heat transfer. In conduction through a solid, the approximate relation is Q̇ ≈ kAΔT/L, where k is thermal conductivity, A is area, and L is thickness. In convection, Q̇ = hAΔT, with h representing the convective heat transfer coefficient. Radiation follows a different form: Q̇ ≈ εσA(T1^4 − T2^4), where ε is emissivity, σ is the Stefan–Boltzmann constant, and T1, T2 are absolute temperatures. In engineering and design, ΔT is a key parameter for sizing heat exchangers, insulation, and cooling systems, since larger ΔT generally increases heat transfer rates for a given geometry.

Measurement of temperature difference relies on sensors such as thermocouples or RTDs placed at appropriate locations to capture temperatures accurately. In non-uniform systems, multiple ΔT values or temperature gradients are considered. The concept of temperature difference is distinct from temperature gradient, which describes the spatial rate of change of temperature within a medium.