Three identical heat conducting rods are connected in series as shown in the figure. The rods on the sides have thermal conductivity 2K while that in the middle has thermal conductivity K. The left end of the combination is maintained at temperature 3T and the right end at T. The rods are thermally insulated from outside. In steady state, temperature at the left junction is T₁ and that at the right junction is T₂. The ratio T₁/T₂ is:

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

NEET 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 04 May, 2025)

Answer 1

Correct option is: (3) 5 / 3

In series, R_eq = R₁ + R₂ + R₃

= 1 / (2KA) + 1 / (KA) + 1 / (2KA)

= 4 / (2KA)

R_eq = 2 / (KA)

In series rate of heat flow is same

(3T − T₁) / R₁ = (3T − T) / R_eq

((3T − T₁) KA) / 1 = (2T) KA / 2

⇒ 6T − 2T₁ = T

⇒ T₁ = 5T / 2 ...(1)

Now, equate heat flow rate in 3^rd section and total section

(T₂ − T) / R₃ = (3T − T) / R_eq

((T₂ − T)(2KA)) / 1 = (2T KA) / 2

⇒ 2T₂ − 2T = T

⇒ T₂ = 3T / 2 ...(2)

By equation (1) and (2)

T₁ / T₂ = (5T / 2) / (3T / 2) = 5 / 3