In Searle's method for finding conductivity of metals, the temperature gradient along the bar

Two vessels of different materials are similar in size in every respect. The same quantity of ice filled in them gets melted in $20$ minutes and $40$ minutes respectively. The ratio of thermal conductivities of the materials is 

Temperature difference of $120\,^oC$ is maintained between two ends of a uniform rod $AB$ of length $2L$. Another bent rod $PQ$, of same cross-section as $AB$ and length $\frac{{3L}}{2}$,  is connected across $AB$ (See figure). In steady state, temperature difference between $P$ and $Q$ will be close to .......... $^oC$

A rod of length $L$ with sides fully insulated is of a material whose thermal conductivity varies with $\alpha$ temperature as $ K= \frac{\alpha }{T}$, where $\alpha$ is a constant. The ends of the rod are kept at temperature $T_1$ and $T_2$. The temperature $T$ at $x,$ where $x$ is the distance from the end whose temperature is $T_1$ is 

What is thermal steady state ?

Bottom of a lake is at $0^{\circ} C$ and atmospheric temperature is $-20^{\circ} C$. If $1 cm$ ice is formed on the surface in $24 \,h$, then time taken to form next $1 \,cm$ of ice is ......... $h$