Cold point in a cylindrical can containing solid food (such as corned beef or dense puree) where heat transfers purely by conduction is located at:
Options:
(A) The geometric center of the can
(B) One-third height from the bottom along the vertical axis
(C) The top lid
(D) The bottom rim
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
For conduction heating, symmetry dictates the slowest heating point (cold point) is at the geometric center ($h/2, r=0$). For convection liquids, it sits lower at approx. $1/5$ to $1/3$ height from bottom.