We present an iterative procedure that does not rely on calculus to model heat flow through a uniform bar of metal and thus avoids the use of the partial differential equation typically needed to describe heat diffusion. The procedure is based on first principles and can be done with students at the blackboard. It results in a plot that illustrates several principles of thermodynamics and can be easily implemented with a spreadsheet program on the computer.

Topics
Thermodynamics, Education
1.
∇ ⋅ (k∇ T) = ρc∂T∂t. See for example
H.
McGee
,
J.
McInerney
, and
A.
Harrus
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The virtual cook: Modeling heat transfer in the kitchen
,”
Phys. Today
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,
30
–
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(Nov.
1999
).
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2.
For example, Harvey E. White, Modern College Physics (D. Van Nostrand Co., 1966).
3.
Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, edited by E.A. Avallone and T. Baumeister (McGraw-Hill, 1996) or www.copperinfo.com/aboutcopper/ properties.html.
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© 2007 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2007
American Association of Physics Teachers
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