Conduction is one way that Heat Energy moves from one place to another. In conduction particles in solids are heated. This heat energy causes the kinetic energy to increase in particles making particles bump into each other, vibrating more, needing more space. As particles bump into each other, bumping into particles that are not being heated directly, the heat energy starts to spread and move through the solid. This is known as Conduction. Some materials are better conductors than others. If a material is not a good conductor at all, we call that an insulator!
In class you will be designing your own experiment to test the conductivity of a variety of materials including:
aluminum, copper, brass, wood, glass, and plastic.
You will have a choice of various shapes of these tubes ranging from thin, hollow, and thick.
Think of a QUESTION or PURPOSE for your experiment. Examples might include:
- Does the amount of matter of a specific material make a difference in how fast a material conducts heat?
- Which material conducts heat the fastest out of wood, glass, metal?
- Which metal conducts heat the fastest? Aluminum, copper, or brass?
Once you have identified the purpose of your experiment, write a hypothesis (prediction) and explain your thinking based on what you know already. Circle the materials you will need. Hand it in to Ms. Ang for approval and you will be given materials to start conducting your experiment! Have fun! Be safe!!