Insulation practical

• What is the process by which heat energy moves through a substance?

  Conduction
• How does heat energy move within an object?

  From the hot end to the cold end
• What are poor conductors of heat called?

  Insulators
• What is thermal radiation also known as?

  Infrared radiation
• What happens to the amount of infrared radiation emitted as an object gets hotter?

  It emits more infrared radiation
• How do thermal insulators reduce heat transfer?

  By reducing conduction or radiation
• What are the steps in Part 1 of the practical for investigating thermal insulators?

  1. Boil water and fill a beaker
  2. Place a smaller beaker inside a larger one
  3. Use cardboard as a lid with a thermometer
  4. Record temperature every 5 minutes for 20 minutes
  5. Repeat with insulating material
  6. Draw cooling curve graphs
  7. Determine the best insulator
• What are the steps in Part 2 of the practical for investigating insulation factors?

  1. Boil water and fill a beaker
  2. Use cardboard as a lid with a thermometer
  3. Record temperature every 5 minutes for 20 minutes
  4. Insulate the beaker with layers of material
  5. Draw cooling curve graphs
  6. Write a conclusion on insulation layers
• Why do hot liquids cool down quickly in a beaker?

  Heat is lost to the surroundings
• How is heat lost from a beaker of water?

  Through conduction to air and surface
• How can cooling curves help in experiments with insulators?

  They compare energy transfer rates
• What effect do air pockets in insulators have on heat loss?

  They reduce heat loss
• How does adding more layers of insulation affect heat transfer?

  It traps more air, reducing transfer
• What are two control variables in the thermal insulation investigation?

  • Volume of water used
  • Type of beaker used
• What is the purpose of using a data logger in temperature measurement?

  It provides more accurate readings
• How does cavity wall and loft insulation help reduce energy costs?

  It minimizes heat loss in homes
• What is the purpose of fibre filling in sleeping bags?

  To reduce heat transfer
• How does fibre filling reduce heat loss in sleeping bags?

  It traps air, reducing heat transfer