Reducing thermal resistance: Which choice correctly lists actions that reduce resistance in conduction, convection, and radiation?

Introduction / Context:
Overall thermal resistance is the sum or combination of resistances from conduction, convection, and radiation. Reducing resistance increases heat transfer rate for a given temperature difference. This question checks practical levers for each mode.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Steady heat transfer across a composite path.
• Classical definitions: R_cond = L/(kA); R_conv = 1/(hA); radiation treated via an effective h_rad proportional to emissivity and temperature.
• Area A is considered fixed for comparison.

Concept / Approach:
To reduce conduction resistance, increase k or decrease thickness L. To reduce convection resistance, raise the convection coefficient h by increasing fluid velocity, turbulence, or cleaning surfaces. For radiation, increasing emissivity and operating temperature raises the effective radiative heat transfer coefficient, thereby lowering the associated “resistance.”

Step-by-Step Solution:
Conduction: R_cond = L/(kA) → lower L and/or higher k reduce R.Convection: R_conv = 1/(hA) → higher h via stirring/forced flow/clean surfaces reduces R.Radiation: q_rad depends on emissivity and T; higher emissivity and higher T increase the effective h_rad, reducing resistance.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare heat transfer before and after modifications: increased h or k, or decreased L, yields higher q for the same Delta T, confirming reduced resistance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Options a, b, and c each capture a correct strategy. The most complete answer is to apply all of them where applicable.
• None of the above: contradicts standard heat transfer relations.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing radiation control for low-temperature systems where radiative contribution is small; at high temperatures, radiation dominates and emissivity changes have large effects.

Final Answer:
All of the above