Thermal Insulation

• What is the first step of the practical?

  Wrap glass beakers with different insulating materials
• What should you do after wrapping the beakers?

  Boil water in a kettle and pour into the beakers
• What is recorded after pouring water into the beakers?

  Record the initial temperature of the water
• How often should the temperature be recorded?

  Every few minutes
• What apparatus is used to measure temperature?

  A thermometer
• What materials can be tested for insulation properties?

  • Newspaper
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Bubble wrap
  • Polystyrene
  • Cotton wool
  • Tin foil
• How can you secure the insulation materials around the beaker?

  Using rubber bands
• Why is one beaker left unwrapped?

  To act as a control beaker
• What is the purpose of the control beaker?

  To compare temperature drop with insulation
• What additional step should be taken to insulate the beaker?

  Cut out a circle for the lid
• What should the lid have for the thermometer?

  A small hole for the thermometer
• How frequently should temperature readings be taken?

  Every 3 minutes
• How can the effectiveness of different insulators be compared?

  By comparing temperature change over time
• What indicates a more effective insulator?

  The smaller the temperature change
• What else can be tested using this method?

  The effectiveness of different thicknesses of the same insulator
• What safety precautions should be taken during the experiment?

  • Avoid touching the beaker after heating
  • Place on a heatproof mat when hot
  • Take care when pouring boiling water
  • Inform a technician if a beaker cracks