Thermal Physics: Practice Problem & Solution
Consider a compound slab consisting of two different materials having equal thicknesses and thermal conductivities $K$ and $2K$, respectively. The equivalent thermal conductivity of the slab is: (2003)
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:
For compound slab in series, $K_{eq} = frac{l_1 + l_2}{frac{l_1}{K_1} + frac{l_2}{K_2}}$
$K_{eq} = frac{l + l}{frac{l}{K} + frac{l}{2K}} = frac{2l}{frac{3l}{2K}} = frac{4}{3} K$
Leave a Reply