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:

Cooling rate $\propto (T^4 - T_0^4)$. $\frac{R'}{R} = \frac{400^4 - 200^4}{600^4 - 200^4} = \frac{2^4 - 1^4}{3^4 - 1^4} = \frac{15}{80} = \frac{3}{16}$. Since $\frac{3}{16} = \frac{9}{48}$, the correct cooling rate would be $\frac{3}{16}R$. The closest option is incorrectly printed as 9/27, the answer is 3/16 R