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There are different ways to investigate methods of insulation. In this practical activity, it is important to:

• make and record measurements of temperature and time accurately
• measure and observe the effect of different materials as thermal insulators
• use appropriate apparatus and methods to measure the effectiveness of different materials as thermal insulators

Aim of the experiment

To compare the effectiveness of different materials as thermal insulators.

Method

1. Place a small beaker into a larger beaker.
2. Fill the small beaker with hot water from a kettle.
3. Put a piece of cardboard over the beakers as a lid. The lid should have a hole suitable for a thermometer.
4. Place a thermometer into the smaller beaker through the hole.
5. Record the temperature of the water in the small beaker and start the stopwatch.
6. Record the temperature of the water every 2 minutes for 20 minutes.
7. Repeat steps 1-6, each time packing the space between the large beaker and small beaker with the chosen insulating material.
8. Plot a graph of temperature (y-axis) against time (x-axis).

Results

Analysis

Plot all of the curves on the same axes. This will make the materials easier to compare.

This graph shows:

• The curve which takes the longest time for the water temperature to drop (the shallowest) should be the material which is the best insulator.
• The temperature falls quickly at high temperatures and slowly at low temperatures.
• When the beaker is at a high temperature, there is a big difference between the temperature of the beaker and the temperature of the surrounding air. This means there is a high rate of transfer.
• When the beaker is at a lower temperature, there is less difference between the temperature of the beaker and the temperature of the surrounding air. This means there is a lower rate of transfer.

Hazards and control measures