The main variable that you are missing in order to do this problem is the combined convection/radiation heat transfer coefficient between the can and the surrounding air. This is not going to be a constant instead the heat transfer coefficient will decrease as the temp of the can reaches the air temperature. So in other words the can will initially cool quickly and then the cooling rate will slow down as it approaches the air temp.
That said I think a reasonable number for the heat transfer coefficient would be about 10 w/m^2*C
Also the dimensions of the can are needed. I would estimate the dimensions of a can to be 12.5 cm tall with a diameter of 6 cm. I think with all of the above information the problem is now solvable.
Last edited by Bigwahzoo; 01-20-2004 at 11:33 AM..
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