Two identical solid aluminum blocks are attached to the ends of two identical rods…
PHYSICS · Single correct · GCSE · Physics · Energy · Energy
Problem
Two identical solid aluminum blocks are attached to the ends of two identical rods that are heated at their opposite ends by identical heat sources at the same constant temperature. One rod is pure copper; the other is stainless steel. All other conditions are identical, and heat losses to the surroundings are negligible. Which statement best predicts how the temperatures of the blocks change during the first few seconds after heating begins?
(a) The block connected to the stainless-steel rod warms faster because stainless steel has a lower specific heat than copper.
(b) Both blocks warm at identical rates because the blocks themselves are the same material.
(c) The block connected to the copper rod warms faster because a greater rate of thermal energy reaches it through the rod.
(d) The block connected to the stainless-steel rod warms faster because the poorer conductivity of stainless steel prevents heat from being lost along the rod’s length.