Question 116
Conduction of thermal energy in different materials. Work in groups of two or three. You will compare how different materials conduct thermal energy.
You will need rods about 30 cm long made from different metals, candle wax, paperclips, a heat source such as a candle to heat one end of the rod, and clamp stands.
Method: melt candle wax and use the soft wax to attach paperclips to each rod at intervals of about 5 cm. Clamp one rod so that one end can be heated, as shown. Heat one end of each rod and observe what happens to the wax and paperclips.
Safety: write a risk assessment and check it with your teacher before carrying out the investigation.
To make the comparison a fair test, list the variables that must be kept constant for each rod.
You will need rods about 30 cm long made from different metals, candle wax, paperclips, a heat source such as a candle to heat one end of the rod, and clamp stands.
Method: melt candle wax and use the soft wax to attach paperclips to each rod at intervals of about 5 cm. Clamp one rod so that one end can be heated, as shown. Heat one end of each rod and observe what happens to the wax and paperclips.
Safety: write a risk assessment and check it with your teacher before carrying out the investigation.
To make the comparison a fair test, list the variables that must be kept constant for each rod.
