Thermal conductivity of a good conductor: an introductory review for an undergraduate lab

Abstract In this work, we study the mathematical formulation required in the study of the flow of heat in the metal rod due to conduction process. Furthermore, the complete theory of one of the very popular experiments for the determination of thermal conductivity of a metal rod (Searle’s method) is explained. We also revisit the connection between the Searle’s experiment and nonequilibrium thermodynamics. This experiment is usually performed at the undergraduate level in the thermal physics lab. We believe that this paper may provide useful insight to undergraduate students about the theory and experimental method of determining the coefficient of thermal conductivity of a good conductor.