Final answer:
The Physics question involves using thermodynamics to calculate the heat flow rate through a well-insulated wall, accounting for different materials and their respective R-values, to determine the heat current in a building with precise construction specifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Physics, as it involves calculating thermal conductivity, a concept in the field of thermodynamics. To answer the question, we must apply the formula for the heat flow rate through the wall, which is Q = (U*A*ΔT)/R, where U is the overall heat transfer coefficient, A is the area of the wall, ΔT is the temperature difference across the wall, and R is the total R-value of the wall's components.
In part (a), the layers are in series, so the total R-value is the sum of the individual R-values, giving us an R total of R drywall + R fiberglass + R siding. In part (b), we account for the wooden studs by calculating their R-value and adjusting the overall R-value accordingly. Studs decrease the overall R-value since wood has lower insulation properties compared to fiberglass. To find the heat current, we would then use the modified R-value in the formula mentioned above.