Two bodies of masses m₁ and m₂ and specific heat capacities s₁ and s₂ are connected by a rod of length l, cross-sectional area A, thermal conductivity K and negligible heat capacity. The whole system is thermally insulated. At time t = 0, the temperature of the first body is T₁ and the temperature of the second body is T₂ (T₂ > T₁). Find the temperature difference between the two bodies at time t. Which of the following gives the correct final result?
Options

Question

Two bodies of masses m₁ and m₂ and specific heat capacities s₁ and s₂ are connected by a rod of length l, cross-sectional area A, thermal conductivity K and negligible heat capacity. The whole system is thermally insulated. At time t = 0, the temperature of the first body is T₁ and the temperature of the second body is T₂ (T₂ > T₁). Find the temperature difference between the two bodies at time t. Which of the following gives the correct final result?

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

In steady conduction, heat current is H=kAΔT/L. Treat each segment as a thermal resistance Rₜₕ=L/(kA); series resistances add and parallel heat currents add. Evaluating the given data/statements gives (T₂−T₁)exp{−(KA/L)[(m₁s₁+m₂s₂)/(m₁s₁m₂s₂)]t}. Therefore the correct answer is A.