Required Practical 2:Thermal Insulators (T)

• What is the main goal of the experiment described?

  To investigate the effectiveness of thermal insulators
• Why is this experiment considered a required practical?

  It is essential for triple physics students
• What is the first step in the experiment?

  Place a small beaker inside a larger beaker
• How much hot water is transferred into the small beaker?

  80 centimeters cubed
• What is the purpose of the cardboard lid in the experiment?

  To cover the large beaker and hold the thermometer
• What must be done with the thermometer during the experiment?

  Place the bulb in the hot water
• How often should the temperature be recorded?

  Every three minutes for 15 minutes
• What should be used to fill the gap between the two beakers in the second experiment?

  An insulating material like bubble wrap
• What is an example of an insulating material to test?

  Cotton wool
• What is the independent variable in this experiment?

  The type of insulating material
• What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

  The temperature of the water
• What are control variables in this experiment?

  Volume of water and mass of insulating material
• Why is it important to keep the starting temperature the same?

  To ensure a fair comparison of results
• What can be plotted from the results of the experiments?

  Cooling curves for different insulators
• What does the most effective insulating material do to the water temperature?

  It cools down the water most slowly
• How does the thickness of a material affect thermal insulation?

  More layers provide better insulation
• What is the independent variable when testing the thickness of newspaper?

  The number of layers of newspaper
• What is the dependent variable when testing the thickness of newspaper?

  The temperature of the water
• What trend is observed with more layers of newspaper?

  Water cools down more slowly
• What is a typical result when using more layers of newspaper?

  Slower cooling of the water
• What are the steps to investigate thermal insulators?

  1. Place a small beaker in a larger beaker.
  2. Boil water and transfer 80 cm³ to the small beaker.
  3. Cover with cardboard lid with a thermometer.
  4. Record starting temperature and measure every 3 minutes for 15 minutes.
  5. Repeat with different insulating materials.
  6. Analyze results and plot cooling curves.
• What are the control variables in the thermal insulation experiment?

  • Volume of water
  • Mass of insulating material
  • Starting temperature of water
• What is the significance of the independent and dependent variables in the experiment?

  • Independent variable: Type of insulating material
  • Dependent variable: Temperature of the water