Solved Questions on Methods of Heat Transfer
1. In a heat transfer experiment, a student heats a metal rod at one end and observes that the other end also becomes warm. This transfer of heat is an example of:
a) Conduction
b) Convection
c) Radiation
d) Absorption
Answer: a) The transfer of heat observed in the experiment is an example of conduction. Conduction is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between objects or substances. In this case, heat is being conducted from the hot end of the metal rod to the colder end through the solid material of the rod itself.
2. Which of the following applications best demonstrates the use of radiation?
a) Heating a pot of water on a gas stove
b) Cooling a room with an air conditioner
c) Generating electricity using solar panels
d) Operating an electric fan to circulate air in a room
Answer: c) Generating electricity using solar panels best demonstrates the use of radiation. Solar panels harness the radiant energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy through the process of photovoltaic conversion. This application directly utilizes radiation as a source of energy for power generation.
3. To investigate the best material for a heat insulator, a student sets up an experiment with four cups containing hot water. Each cup is covered with a different material (aluminium foil, cotton fabric, plastic wrap, and glass). Which cup is likely to retain the heat best?
a) Aluminium foil
b) Cotton fabric
c) Metal plate
d) Glass
Answer: b) Cotton fabric is likely to retain the heat best. Cotton is a good insulating material that traps air pockets within its fibres, providing thermal insulation and reducing heat transfer.
4. An experiment is conducted to compare the heat transfer of different coloured objects. Which of the following objects will absorb the most heat from the sun?
a) A white T-shirt
b) A green leaf
c) A yellow umbrella
d) A black car
Answer: d) The black car will absorb the most heat from the sun. Dark-coloured objects, like the black car, are better absorbers of heat compared to lighter-coloured objects. This is because dark colours absorb more of the sun's energy and convert it into heat, while lighter colours reflect more of the sun's energy, resulting in less heat absorption.
5. Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Radiation is the only method of heat transfer that can occur in a vacuum.
Statement II: Convection requires the presence of a solid medium for heat transfer to occur.
a) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
b) Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.
c) Both statements are correct.
d) Both statements are incorrect
Answer: b) Statement I is correct because radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which can occur in a vacuum where there is no medium. However, statement II is incorrect because convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) and does not require a solid medium.
FAQs
1. What is heat transfer?
Heat transfer is the transfer of thermal energy from one item or material to another caused by temperature variations.
2. What are the three main methods of heat transfer?
Conduction, convection, and radiation are the three most common methods of heat transport.
3. What is conduction and convection?
Conduction is the immediate transfer of heat between two objects or substances. Heat moves from the hotter item to the colder.
Convection is the transmission of heat by the movement of liquids and gases. Warmer portions of a fluid rise, while colder regions sink, resulting in a steady flow of heat.
4. What is radiation?
Radiation is the transport of heat via electromagnetic waves such as light or infrared radiation. Compared to conduction and convection, radiation does not require a medium to pass through.
5. How do materials affect heat transfer?
Materials may affect the transfer of heat by transmitting, insulating, or reflecting it. Metals, for example, are good heat conductors, but wool is an excellent insulator.
