Thermal Physics: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Thermal Physics. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

By Newton's law of cooling: $\frac{3T-2T}{10} = K(\frac{3T+2T}{2}-T) \Rightarrow \frac{T}{10} = K(1.5T)$. For next 10 mins: $\frac{2T-T'}{10} = K(\frac{2T+T'}{2}-T)$. Substituting $K = \frac{1}{15}$, we get $2T - T' = \frac{1}{15}(0.5T' + T) \times 10$. Solving gives $T' = \frac{3}{2}T$.