Conduction 3B: The effect of thermal conductivity

(This formula says that heat transfer rate is proportional to thermal conductivity. See the Workbook for the meanings of the math symbols.)

This model has two situations for you to compare. On the left are two separate heat sources with a constant temperature (50°C). On the right are two separate objects with a thermometer, which measures how much heat has been conducted. The left-hand side and right-hand side objects are connected by two test pieces that differ in only thermal conductivity (k). Your task is to tell which test piece has higher thermal conductivity.

1. Run the model and note the temperatures measured by the two thermometers.
2. Turn the graph on to watch the changes of the temperatures.
3. Use the buttons at the upper-right corner of the graph window to rescale the curves if necessary.
4. Click a thermometer to highlight its temperature curve.

After you have observed the model, answer the questions in your workbook.