Conduction

Objectives

• Carry out a practical task to investigate the relative conductivity of a range of materials.

• Be able to interpret the results of the practical work to identify materials which are good conductors, and those which are poor conductors.

Task 1 - Recap

Remind the person next to you:

- The type of radiation is given off by warm objects

- Which surfaces are the best absorbers of radiation.

- Which surfaces are the best emitters of radiation.

- Why the liquid in a thermometer rises up the tube when it is heated

Task 2

We have seen that heat can be transferred, through the air or empty space, by infrared radiation.  Watch this video clip to see the other ways that heat can be transported.

Task 3

Heat can be transferred along a material, as shown in the animation below.

You are going to compare a range of materials to find which is the most effective at conducting heat.  Set up the apparatus as shown below:

Your teacher will give you a copy of the diagram and a table to record your results.  Test each material in order, recording your results on the worksheet.

Task 4

Which material was the best conductor?  Which was the best insulator?  Make a note of your findings.