Thermodynamics Problem 1.55 Solution: Hot/Cold Copper Rod

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xCuzIcanx
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xCuzIcanx said:

Homework Statement



http://books.google.com/books?id=oy...re in contact with hot and cold walls&f=false

the problem is number 1.55

Homework Equations



No equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Well I know that if it's in equilibrium that means the temperature of the rod should stop fluctuating. But I don't understand questions a. and exactly how to do it.

You can argue from symmetry and uniformity of the material (copper cylinder) that the heat conductivity is constant from end to end of the rod. If so, how will the temperature vary along the rod? What's the temperature at the left end? How about the right end? The middle?
 
gneill said:
You can argue from symmetry and uniformity of the material (copper cylinder) that the heat conductivity is constant from end to end of the rod. If so, how will the temperature vary along the rod? What's the temperature at the left end? How about the right end? The middle?

Wait, so if it's uniform and the heat conductivity is constant then shouldn't the temperature of the rod be warm past x to the right and be at it's equilibrium a little bit past the center towards the right?
 
xCuzIcanx said:
Wait, so if it's uniform and the heat conductivity is constant then shouldn't the temperature of the rod be warm past x to the right and be at it's equilibrium a little bit past the center towards the right?

Your description is not clear to me. Can you sketch the temperature profile you're picturing? Start at the left end of the rod and finish at its right end.
 
xCuzIcanx said:
Wait, so if it's uniform and the heat conductivity is constant then shouldn't the temperature of the rod be warm past x to the right and be at it's equilibrium a little bit past the center towards the right?

"Equilibrium" means every part of the rod is at a constant temperature.