Difference between revisions of "GCSE Physics Required Practical: Investigating Thermal Insulators"
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Investigate the effectiveness of different [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulators]] on reducing an [[Energy Transfer|energy transfer]] by [[heating]]. | Investigate the effectiveness of different [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulators]] on reducing an [[Energy Transfer|energy transfer]] by [[heating]]. | ||
| − | ===Variables=== | + | ===Experiment=== |
| + | ====Variables==== | ||
: [[Independent Variable]]: [[Thermal Insulator|Insulating material]]. | : [[Independent Variable]]: [[Thermal Insulator|Insulating material]]. | ||
: [[Dependent Variable]]: The [[temperature]] decrease of [[water]] after a given [[time]]. | : [[Dependent Variable]]: The [[temperature]] decrease of [[water]] after a given [[time]]. | ||
: [[Control Variable]]s: The [[Volume (Space)|volume]] of [[water]] used. The initial [[temperature]] of the [[water]]. The [[time]] taken between [[measurement]]s. Thickness of the [[Thermal Insulator|insulating material]]. | : [[Control Variable]]s: The [[Volume (Space)|volume]] of [[water]] used. The initial [[temperature]] of the [[water]]. The [[time]] taken between [[measurement]]s. Thickness of the [[Thermal Insulator|insulating material]]. | ||
| − | ===Method=== | + | ====Method==== |
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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#Repeat steps 1-3 with a can covered each type of [[Thermal Insulator|insulating material]]. | #Repeat steps 1-3 with a can covered each type of [[Thermal Insulator|insulating material]]. | ||
| − | ===Improving [[Accuracy]]=== | + | ====Improving [[Accuracy]]==== |
: Place the cans on a [[Heatproof Mat|heatproof mat]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the table surface by [[Thermal Conduction|conduction]]. | : Place the cans on a [[Heatproof Mat|heatproof mat]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the table surface by [[Thermal Conduction|conduction]]. | ||
: Place a lid over the cans to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the [[air]] by [[evaporation]]. | : Place a lid over the cans to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the [[air]] by [[evaporation]]. | ||
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| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] including [[apparatus]] used improve the [[accuracy]] of an [[experiment]] to compare the effectiveness of different [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulators]]. | | style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] including [[apparatus]] used improve the [[accuracy]] of an [[experiment]] to compare the effectiveness of different [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulators]]. | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | ===Improving [[Precision]]=== | + | ====Improving [[Precision]]==== |
: Use a [[thermometer]] with a higher [[resolution]]. | : Use a [[thermometer]] with a higher [[resolution]]. | ||
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]]. | : Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]]. | ||
Revision as of 19:13, 18 March 2019
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Investigate the effectiveness of different thermal insulators on reducing an energy transfer by heating.
Experiment
Variables
- Independent Variable: Insulating material.
- Dependent Variable: The temperature decrease of water after a given time.
- Control Variables: The volume of water used. The initial temperature of the water. The time taken between measurements. Thickness of the insulating material.
Method
 |
| A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to compare the effectiveness of different thermal insulators. |
- Fill a can with hot water (above 80°C).
- Place a thermometer in the water and wait until the temperature reaches 80°C.
- Begin a stopwatch when the temperature is 80°C then read the temperature every 30 seconds for 5 minutes.
- Repeat steps 1-3 with a can covered each type of insulating material.
Improving Accuracy
- Place the cans on a heatproof mat to reduce the thermal energy lost to the table surface by conduction.
- Place a lid over the cans to reduce the thermal energy lost to the air by evaporation.
- Complete the experiments with different insulators simultaneously so that a change in the temperature of the laboratory does not affect the results.
 |
| A diagram including apparatus used improve the accuracy of an experiment to compare the effectiveness of different thermal insulators. |
Improving Precision
- Use a thermometer with a higher resolution.
- Use a data logger rather than a thermometer.