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Thermal Conductivity of Metal Rod PDF
Thermal Conductivity of Metal Rod PDF
CONDUCTIVITY
OF METAL ROD
The atoms in the rod that are exposed to the heat, gain energy in the form of heat and transfer this
energy to their neighbours, which then transfer the heat energy to their neighbouring atoms. In this
manner, the energy is passed along through the length of the rod.
Mechanism of Thermal Conduction in Metals: Thermal energy may be conducted in solids by two
modes.
1. Lattice vibrations.
2. Transport by free electrons.
In good electrical conductors a rather large number of free electrons move about in the lattice
structure of the material. Just as these electrons may transport electric charge, they may also carry
thermal energy from a high temperature region. In fact, these electrons are frequently referred as
the electron gas. Energy may also be transmitted as vibrational energy in the lattice structure of the
material. In general, however, this latter mode of energy transfer is not as large as the electron
transport and it is for this reason that good electrical conductors are almost always good heat
conductors, i.e. Copper, Aluminium & silver. With increase in the temperature, however the
increased lattice vibrations come in the way of the transport by free electrons for most of the pure
metals the thermal conductivity decreases with increase in the temperatures for some metals.
APPARATUS:
The apparatus consists of a metal bar, one end of which is heated by an electric heater while the
other end of the bar projects inside the cooling water jacket. The middle portion of the bar is
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ME-314 IIT-Gandhinagar
surrounded by a cylindrical shell filled with the asbestos insulating powder. The temperature of the
bar is measured at different section. The heater is provided with a dimmer stat for controlling the
heat input. Water under constant head conditions is circulated through the jacket and its flow rate
and temperature rise are noted by two temperature sensors provided at the inlet and outlet of the
water.
ADDITONAL EQUIPIMENTS:
Hand Watch
A/C supply
Water supply at constant Rate
Beaker
PROCEDURE:
First of all connect cold water supply at inlet of the Cooling Chamber of setup.
Make sure that drain valve is open.
Start water supply (1 LPM) at constant water supply rate.
Now switch on the supply and make sure the zero position of all digital devices before
switching on it.
Fix the Power Input to the Heater with the help of Variac, Voltmeter and Ammeter
provided.
After 30 Minutes start recording the temperature of various points at each 5 minutes
interval.
If temperatures readings are same for three times, assume that steady state is achieved.
Record the final temperatures.
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ME-314 IIT-Gandhinagar
Repeat the above procedure for two different Temperatures.
Closing Procedure: -
SPECIFICATIONS: -
FORMULAE USED: -
1. Heat gained by water = Q = MCp (T9 – T8)
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ME-314 IIT-Gandhinagar
OBSERVATIONS: -
Observation table:
Mass flow rate = density x volume flow rate = m = 3.06 x 10-3 m3/s
CALCULATIONS: -
1. At voltage = 165 V
Heat gained by water = q = mCp (T9 – T8) = 3.06 x 10-3 x 4.18 x 2.3 x 1000 = 29.409 W
2. At voltage = 199 V
Heat gained by water = q = MCp (T9 – T8) = 3.06 x 10 -3 x 4.18 x 3.2 x 1000 =40.91 W
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ME-314 IIT-Gandhinagar
GRAPH OBTAINED: -
T v/s X
180
160
140
120
100
V=199V
80
V=165V
60
40
20
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
CONCLUSION:
SOURCE OF ERROR: -
PRECAUTIONS:
Never switch on mains power supply before ensuring that all the ON/OFF switches given on
the panel are at OFF position.
Voltage to heater should be increased slowly.
Never run the apparatus if power supply is less than 180 volts and above than 230 volts.
Operate selector switch of temperature indicator gently.
There is a possibility of getting abrupt result if the supply voltage is fluctuating or if the
satisfactory steady state condition is not reached.
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ME-314 IIT-Gandhinagar