thermal insulation

• What is the aim of the investigation described in the study material?

  To investigate the effectiveness of different materials as thermal insulators and the factors that may affect their insulating properties.
• What equipment is needed for the thermal insulation investigation?

  • Five 100cm³ beakers
  • Five 250cm³ beakers
  • Five thermometers
  • Kettle (to heat water)
  • Piece of cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Stopwatch
  • Insulating materials (e.g. newspaper, bubble wrap, polystyrene, cotton wool)
  • Rubber bands
  • Heatproof mat
• What is the first step in Method 1 for testing different types of materials?

  Set up your equipment, wrapping four of the five beakers with a different insulating material.
• What is the purpose of the control beaker in the experiment?

  The beaker with no insulation wrapped around it serves as the control beaker.
• How often should the temperature of the beakers be measured during the experiment?

  Every 3 minutes.
• How is the change in temperature calculated for each beaker?

  By subtracting the final temperature from the initial temperature.
• What is the focus of Method 2 in the investigation?

  Testing different thicknesses of one insulating material.
• In Method 2, how should the beakers be wrapped?

  Each beaker should be wrapped in varying thicknesses of one insulating material, such as newspaper.
• What should be done after filling each beaker with warm water in Method 2?

  Record the initial temperature and cover each beaker with paper lids.
• What are the safety precautions to follow during the experiment?

  • Don’t handle the beakers whilst or after heating.
  • Keep the beakers on a heatproof mat.
  • Take care handling glass; if the beaker appears cracked, don’t use it, and inform a supervising adult if it breaks.
• What information is included in the blank table of results?

  The time in minutes, type of insulation, temperature of water, and change in temperature.
• What is the last column in the blank table of results meant to record?

  The change in temperature.