DISCUSSION CONDUCTION

Based on the objective of this experiment, we have to investigate Fouriers

law for linear conduction of heat along a simple bar. Fourier's law is an empirical
law based on observation. It states that the rate of heat flow, dQ/dt, through a
homogeneous solid is directly proportional to the area, A, of the section at right
angles to the direction of heat flow, and to the temperature difference along the
path of heat flow, dT/dx.
After all the readings have been taken, we have done the calculation in to
obtain the thermal conductivity for brass sample region at three different input
power, Q which is 10W, 20W and 30W. The slope of the graph is been used in
order to determination the value of thermal conductivity, k. The value of thermal
conductivity, k for 10 W, 20 W, and 30 W are 42.88 W/m.K, 98.15 W/m.K, and
125.98 W/m.k respectively.
The theoretical values of thermal conductivity at 20oC for yellow brass and
red brass that we got from internet are 116 W/m.K and 159 W/m.K respectively.
Comparing the result from the experiment, the values are not much different.
Based on the average value of experimental value which is 89 W/m.k , the best
brass that suits the value is yellow brass. There are different in the value that we
obtained between theoretical value and experimental. The difference is might be
due the error that occur during the experiment is carrying out.
The errors might be we made a mistake when take the readings of
thermometer because the gauge reading at heat conduction control is not
constant and it is affect by the changing in average temperature. Other reason
that might of the error is the apparatus of this experiment is old and not well
maintained.
However, from the equation of fouriers law, we can say that the average
temperature is inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity. So, the
experiment is successful.