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.