Thermal Conductivity

Ece Elif Topçu 090220117

March 5, 2024

1 Introduction
Heat transfer is a fundamental concept in physics and is crucial for understanding various natural and
engineering processes. Thermal conductivity is a property that describes the ability of a material to
conduct heat. In this experiment, by using a classical method involving heat transfer between a vapour
chamber and a block of ice, we aim to determine the coefficient of thermal conductivity of a material. By
performing this experiment and analysing the data collected, it is possible to determine the coefficient
of thermal conductivity of the material under investigation. This value provides information about
the material’s ability to conduct heat and has practical implications for a variety of applications in
engineering and everyday life.

2 Theory
Heat transfer can take place through three main mechanisms: conduction, convection and radiation.
Conduction, the focus of this experiment, involves the transfer of heat through a material due to
collisions between atoms or molecules. When one end of a material is heated, particles gain kinetic
energy and transfer it to neighbouring particles through collisions, leading to a net flow of heat from
the hot end to the cold end. By measuring the mass of melted ice and knowing the latent heat of
fusion of water, it is possible to determine the amount of heat transferred during the experiment.

3 Experimental Setup
In this experiment, a slab of the material under investigation is compressed between a vapour chamber
maintained at a constant temperature of 100°C and a block of ice at 0°C. The aim is to create a simu-
lated scenario in which heat can flow from the vapour chamber through the slab into the ice. To ensure
a safe interlocking between the heat sources is crucial to facilitate efficient heat transfer. Insulating
materials are applied to prevent heat loss to the environment. After allowing sufficient time for heat
transfer to occur, the ice is melted due to the heat flowing through the slab. The water obtained from
the melting ice is collected and its mass is measured using a scale. This calculation provides valuable
data on the amount of heat transferred during the experiment. In addition, the dimensions of the slab,
including its thickness and cross-sectional area, are measured to provide the necessary parameters for
subsequent calculations. Temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature difference across
the sheet. This temperature gradient is necessary to determine the thermal conductivity of the ma-
terial. By analysing the collected data, the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material can be
calculated. This coefficient indicates how effectively the material conducts heat and is important for
various engineering and scientific applications.