Heat Flow Through Rods in Series and Parallel

The simulation models steady‑state heat conduction through two rods using the thermal‑resistance formula R = L/(kA). In a series arrangement the same heat current passes through both rods, so the rod with lower conductivity shows a steeper temperature drop, producing a kink at the junction. In a parallel arrangement each rod experiences the full temperature difference, and the better conductor carries more heat, analogous to electrical resistors.

Students can select Series or Parallel at the top, then tap each rod to cycle its material among copper, aluminium, brass and steel. The rods start cold and colour‑change to show temperature as they warm. Arrows indicate the magnitude and direction of heat current, and a graph plots temperature along the length, revealing the kink in series or the straight lines in parallel.

By observing how the temperature profile and heat‑current arrows change with material and configuration, learners see how thermal resistance adds in series (R = R1+R2) and in parallel (1/R = 1/R1+1/R2), reinforcing concepts of conductivity, heat flow, and the analogy to electrical circuits.