Question

In a steady-state, what happens to the temperature of each part of the rod?

Answer 1

Thermal Conduction:

1. In a solid, heat is transferred mainly by the process of thermal conduction.
2. The transfer of heat energy without the movement of particles inside the solid is called conduction.
3. This transfer occurs through the vibration of microscopic particles having internal kinetic energy.
4. The transfer of heat always occurs from a hotter body to a colder body.
5. In this way, the temperature difference reduces and eventually reaches equilibrium.
6. There are other methods of heat transfer, that are mainly applicable to fluids. They are convection and radiation.

Steady-State

1. A state in a conductor where no more heat can be absorbed by the rod is called a Steady-state.
2. The temperature becomes constant at this stage.
3. But the heat is always lost to the surroundings.
4. This is due to convection and radiation from the surface of the rod.
5. Therefore, in a steady-state, the temperature of each part of the rod is constant but not the same.