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ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

A planet of radius R is made of uniform material that generates power P uniformly via radioactive decay. Heat flows radially outward by thermal conduction (thermal conductivity k). The temperature difference between the planet's centre and its surface equals P / (alpha * pi * k * R). Find the value of alpha.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Correct answer: 4

Solution

Power generated per unit volume: q = P / (4*pi*R³/3) = 3P/(4*pi*R³). At radius r, total power from inner sphere = q*(4*pi*r³/3) = P*r³/R³. By Fourier's law: this power flows outward, so -k*(4*pi*r²)*(dT/dr) = P*r³/R³. Thus dT/dr = -P*r / (4*pi*k*R³). Integrating from centre (T_c) to surface (Tₛ): T_c - Tₛ = integral₀^R [P*r/(4*pi*k*R³)] dr = P/(4*pi*k*R³) * [r²/2]₀^R = P/(4*pi*k*R³) * R²/2 = P/(8*pi*k*R). So delta_T = P/(8*pi*k*R). Comparing with P/(alpha*pi*k*R): alpha = 8.

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