Verified Solution • 2025–26 Session moderate

QPages 97-98: Q1: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Heat Transfer Pages 97-98: Q1 Solution: One end of a metal rod is dipped in boiling water and the other …

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often confuse steady state with thermal equilibrium, incorrectly assuming that a constant temperature profile implies uniform temperature throughout the rod. In steady state, the temperature at any specific point remains constant over time, but a temperature gradient persists across the rod, meaning different parts are not in thermal equilibrium with each other.

One end of a metal rod is dipped in boiling water and the other is dipped in melting ice.

Multiple Choice Options

  • A All parts of the rod are in thermal equilibrium with each other.
  • B We can assign a temperature to the rod.
  • C We can assign a temperature to the rod after steady state is reached.
  • D The state of the rod does not change after steady state is reached.

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (c), (d). **Step-by-Step Explanation:** In steady state, a temperature can be assigned to the rod (c), and the state doesn't change (d).

All Questions in this Chapter

Related Learning Resources & Exam Preparation