EXPERIMENT-5

Objective:-
To measure the thermal and electrical conductivity of a material

Part A: Measuring thermal conductivity

Theory:-

Thermal Conductivity is a measure of a materials ability to transfer heat through itself

and is one of the 3 variables in Thermal resistance. Thermal Resistance is
analogous to Electrical Resistance in that it is inversely proportional to the flow of
heat. In a laboratory setting, thermal resistance is calculated under specific
circumstances allowing for thermal conductivity to then be derived from the obtained
results.

Heat Flow Equation Q = K.A (ΔT/l) = ΔT/R

 Q = Heat flow in Watts

 ΔT = Temperature difference in Degrees Celsius

 R = Thermal Resistance (l / k ⋅ A)

 l = Length of a material in Meters

 k = Thermal conductivity constant in W/m-K or J/s-m-degC

 A = Surface area in meters squared

Procedure:
i. Obtain two beakers (similar or different size), fill one with water and place it on
the hot plate.
ii. Place the other beaker on object of similar size to the hotplate as to make the
lips of both beakers at the same height (or use a taller beaker)
iii. Bend all the wires 90° on both ends creating 50mm arms and ensure that 1m
of straight wire is maintained
iv. Ensure that the bent end of the wire is immersed in the water
v. Place all three wires of choice on the lips of both beakers as to connect both
beakers

1. Use a marker to mark each wire every 200mm or if using candles, melt the
bottom of each candle using some source of heat and place the candles at
200mm intervals along the wire
2. Heat the water using the hot plate for 15 minutes and then take temperature
readings at each 200mm intervals
Part B: Measuring Electrical Conductivity

Theory

Conductivity ( K):

Is a measure of ability of an aqueous solution carry an electric currents. This ability depends on the
presence of ions and on the temperature of measurement.

Conductance ( G ) is defined as the reciprocal of resistance.

The conductance of a solution, G, is directly proportional to the electrode surface area, A cm2 ,and
inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes, L cm. The constant of proportionality,
k, such that:

The units of k are 1/ohm-cm or mho per centimeter. Conductivity is customarily reported in
micromhos per centimeter (mho/cm)

Procedure

1. Calibrate the EC meter by standard solutions of electrical conductivity.

2. Immerse the electrodes into the sample of water (whose conductivity is to be determined)and
wait up to one minute for steady reading.

3. The reading is observed after the indicated value becomes constant.

CONCLUSION

The thermal and electrical conductivity is thus measured respectively