Thermal resistances adding formula

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The discussion focuses on proving the formulas for adding thermal resistances in series and parallel configurations. For resistances in series, the total thermal resistance is the sum of individual resistances (R = R1 + R2). In parallel, the total resistance is calculated using the formula 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2. The conversation draws parallels between thermal resistance and electrical resistance, noting that heat flow corresponds to thermal resistance similar to how current relates to electrical resistance. The analogy helps clarify the concepts despite the differences in the underlying physics.
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Homework Statement


Prove a rule for adding of Thermal resistances
for: A)R1 and R2 in Series
B)R1 and R2 in Parallel

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


According to the book the result should be :
A) R = R1 + R2
B) 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2

So i thought we can get some ideas from the theory of Electrical resistance because these formulas are similar for example here: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/ohmrser.html .
However, I don't know how to start (in Thermodynamics there is no Electric current etc., so we can hardly use Ohm´s formula like in previous case).
Thanks for help
 
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The thermodynamic analog of current is the Heat Current defined as the rate of flow of heat through the material and the analog of voltage is temperature difference
 
OK, thank you.
 
I get it
 
in Thermodynamics there is no Electric current etc., so we can hardly use Ohm´s formula like in previous case

Not exactly but...

heat flow = ΔT/Thermal Resistance

which is similar to

Current = ΔV/Electrical Resistance

I'll let you work out the units.
 
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