The figure given below shows the variation of temperature across the thickness of materials with different thermal conductivities under steady states. Curve C will be applicable when thermal conductivity of the material ______ 
The problem involves understanding the behavior of temperature variation across a material with different thermal conductivities under steady-state conditions. The thermal conductivity of a material influences the rate at which heat is conducted through it, and this affects the temperature gradient across its thickness.
Explanation:
- The temperature gradient in a material is influenced by its thermal conductivity (\(k\)) as per Fourier's law of heat conduction, which states:
\(q = -k \frac{dT}{dx}\)
- \(q\) = heat flux,
- \(\frac{dT}{dx}\) = temperature gradient,
- \(k\) = thermal conductivity.
- If thermal conductivity is very high, the material becomes a very good conductor of heat, resulting in a smaller temperature gradient across its thickness. Curve C, being almost vertical, indicates minimal temperature drop across the material thickness.
- Hence, if curve C represents the temperature variation, it implies that the thermal conductivity of the material is very large.
Conclusion: The correct option is that curve C will be applicable when the thermal conductivity of the material is very large.
Important Questions from Conduction
What is the state, in which none of the properties of the system change with time, known as?
The process of heat transfer from one particle of the body to another without the actual motion of the particle, is known as ______ .
Liquid metal having highest thermal conductivity is of _______.
The transfer of heat through the molecules of matter in any body is called ________.
Conduction takes place due to temperature gradients
