Practice Problems on Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity

Try out the following practice problems on coefficient of thermal conductivity:

Q1. A 0.5-meter-long copper rod with a 400 W/mK thermal conductivity conduct heat from a source at 100°C to a sink at 50°C. Determine the heat transfer rate via the rod.

Q2. A wall has a 0.2 W/mK thermal conductivity and is 0.3 meters thick. Determine the rate of heat transmission through the wall if there is a 20°C temperature differential across it.

Q3. An insulated pipe with an outside diameter of 10 cm and an inner diameter of 8 cm is used to transmit hot water at 80°C across a room at 20°C. The insulation around the pipe is 2 centimeters thick and has a thermal conductivity of 0.05 W/mK. Calculate the rate at which heat escapes through the insulation.

Q4. A ceramic plate measuring 0.4 meters by 0.4 meters and having a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W/mK is heated to 200°C on one side and held at 50°C on the other. Determine the heat transmission rate via the plate.

Q5. In a room that is 25°C, there is a refrigerator that has an internal temperature of -5°C. The refrigerator’s walls are 5 cm thick and have a thermal conductivity of 0.5 W/mK. Find out how quickly heat moves through the refrigerator’s walls.

Coefficient of thermal conductivity measures the ability of a substance to transport heat. Wood and plastic are low conductivity materials that insulate and prevent heat movement, whereas metals and other high conductivity materials swiftly absorb and spread heat. Materials with high thermal conductivity transfer heat efficiently and are good conductors of heat, while materials with low thermal conductivity transfer heat slowly and are considered poor conductors or insulators. This helps in choosing materials for various purposes.

In this article, we will learn in detail about the coefficient of thermal conductivity, its units, factors affecting it, and other facts related to it.