Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Gr^0.33, Gr^0.25
Explanation:
Introduction:
In natural (free) convection, buoyancy drives flow, and the Nusselt number correlates heat-transfer coefficient to fluid properties and geometry via dimensionless groups. For a vertical plate, different exponents apply in laminar and turbulent regimes, reflecting changes in boundary-layer behavior.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Classical correlations give Nu_L ≈ C * (Gr_L * Pr)^1/4 for laminar and Nu_L ≈ C * (Gr_L * Pr)^1/3 for turbulent flow over a vertical surface. When emphasizing Gr only, the exponents are 0.25 (laminar) and 0.33 (turbulent). The question asks for 'turbulent & laminar flow respectively', hence the ordered pair is Gr^0.33 for turbulent and Gr^0.25 for laminar.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Heat-transfer handbooks list Churchill–Chu or similar correlations that reduce to these exponents in limiting regimes, supporting the stated powers.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A–C/E present incorrect order or exponents that do not match standard natural convection theory for vertical plates.
Common Pitfalls:
Mixing forced convection (Nu ∝ Re^m Pr^n) with natural convection correlations or confusing the order in which regimes are listed.
Final Answer:
Gr^0.33, Gr^0.25
Discussion & Comments