Observing Temperature Change in Materials

Introduction

In the previous labs, you have followed a given procedure to test a problem. In this lab, you will
design your own procedure to test a problem. Remember, that when designing an experiment,
there are several important features to keep in mind:

1. Variables – in a well-designed experiment, only one thing is changed so that the

experimenter can study the impact this change has. If you change more than one thing,
you can’t know which of the changes produced your results. Everything else must be
kept the same to avoid bias. Bias is when unintended effects influence the results of the
experiment.
a. Independent Variable – the thing being manipulated, or changed, by the
experimenter
b. Dependent Variable – the outcome that is being observed and measured
2. Constants – everything except the independent variable must be controlled or kept
constant as best as possible.
3. Control – The control group does not receive any experimental treatment so that
scientists can compare it to the experimental group at the end of the experiment.

Objective

Plan an investigation to determine the relationship between type of matter, amount of energy
transferred, and change in temperature of a sample.
Scientific Question

How does temperature change of materials vary with the type of material and the amount of
energy transferred?

Hypothesis
[Hypothesis: A statement that says what you think will happen. In this statement, you are
making a prediction of the outcome. Explain why you think this will be the outcome.]

I predict that if heated with a candle, water will take more time to heat than oil, because water
is less dense than oil. It also reflexes more heat.

Experimental Design
[Experimental Design: These prompts will help you think through how to test your hypothesis.]
1. What is your dependent variable? What are you measuring to test the effect of your
independent variable?
The dependent variable is how much time and energy is required to heat up the liquid
for 1 degree. The time to heat up and the energy used is measured.
2. What is your independent variable? What are you changing to test the effect of your
dependent variable?
The independent variable is the type of material (liquid) in the container.
3. What is staying constant? This helps you minimize bias. Your constants should be everything
except your independent variable. (e.g. volume of material)?
The type of thermometer, the amount of liquid, the heat source, the container, the
environment is kept the same.

Materials

[Materials: A list of all the materials you used to do the experiment.]

[Potential Materials: Think about how you might use the materials to test your question. You do
not have to use all of these materials; they are just ideas to help you design your experiment.]
1. Thermometer *2
2. Measuring Cup
3. 50 ml container
4. Watch
5. Oil and water 50 ml each
6. Heat source(candle)

Procedure
[Procedure: A list of the steps you took to do the experiment.]

1. Put 50 ml of water into the container.

2. Return the thermometer to its original state.
3. Put the thermometer into the water and record the temperature.
4. Put the water-filled container onto the heat source.
5. Record the time it takes for the temperature to rise 1 degree.
6. Return the container to room temperature and its original state.
7. Repeat process 1 to 6 with oil.
8. Compare the results. The liquid with more time has a higher heat capacity than the other.

Result
Water: 49 secs oil: 22 secs.
Bibliography
**No outside sources were used. The work is completely done by myself.