Q1: A steam pipe is intended to be insulated with two layers of insulating materials of different thermal conductivities. For minimum heat transfer to take place

ANS:A - the better insulation material should be put just next to pipe (i.e., inside).

The better insulating material should be placed just next to the pipe, i.e., inside, in order to minimize heat transfer. This arrangement maximizes the resistance to heat flow from the hot steam pipe to the surroundings. Placing the better insulating material closer to the pipe reduces the amount of heat that can conduct through the insulation layers. Since the inner layer is in direct contact with the hot steam pipe, it experiences the highest temperature gradient and thus has the most significant impact on heat transfer. Therefore, using the better insulating material closer to the pipe reduces the overall thermal conductivity of the insulation system and minimizes heat loss. So, the correct option is: the better insulation material should be put just next to the pipe (i.e., inside).