Soldering Iron tip temperature 1

[ohmrun]

A 12 watt soldering iron has a tip that weighs about 2 grams. I need some help in determining how hot does the tip get? The Formula Q=M x Cp x dT seems to produce a dT of 85,370 when Cp is .109BTU/(lb x F)(assuming nickel steel material). This seems way out in left field. Any help is appreciated.

 

[mduplessis]

mryan
Using Q=M x Cp x dT will not help you. It would require that Q is Energy (i.e in Joule) and not Power (Watt). (in SI system). I think that is where your calculation went wrong.

Rather uses a energy balance: Power in=Heat loss from tip under steady state. Radiation heat loss will play a huge role specially with a natural convection situation.

 

About 650 degrees F.