Question

If we hold a metal rod from one end and dip the other in a source of fire, what will happen to the temperature of the rod at steady state?

(a) Be uniform

(b) Decrease with time

(c) Remain constant at a single value throughout the length of the rod

(d) Stay nonuniform

I have been asked this question during an interview.

This intriguing question comes from Thermal Properties of Matter in section Thermal Properties of Matter of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Right choice is (d) Stay nonuniform

For explanation I would say: When a rod is held with one end in fire. That end will have a temperature equal to that of fire. The temperature will gradually decrease towards the other end. At steady state the rate of heat flow will be constant and temperature at each point will be constant, but will be varying non-uniformly through the length of the rod.