Date: March 7, 2024

Topic: Conduction of Heat

Aim: To compare the rate of conductivity of heat in different metals

Background Information: Conduction is the method by which heat energy is

transferred in solids. Some solids conduct heat better than others. Substances
that conduct heat well are called good conductors. Substances that do not
conduct heat well are called poor conductors or insulators.

The kinetic particle theory of matter can be used to explain why metals are
generally good conductors of heat and liquids and gases are not. Particles in
solids are in fixed positions but are free to vibrate in these fixed positions. As
the particles gain heat energy in the form of kinetic energy, they vibrate more
strongly. Although the particles cannot move, they collide more often and with
more energy with the particles next to them. As a result, these neighboring
particles vibrate more rapidly, and in this way heat energy can be
transferred through the solid. The mobile electrons in metals hasten the
transfer of heat through the metal as they are free to move and transfer heat
energy. Metals with smaller and more closely packed atoms/particles tend
to be better conductors of heat.

Metals such as copper, iron, steel, and aluminum tend to be good conductors
of heat. Silver is the best conductor of heat but is too expensive for general
use. The heat conductivity of copper is also very high.

Apparatus: Heat conductivity apparatus, timer, methylated spirit lamp, candle

wax, retort clamp and stand, ruler, lighter

Method:

1. The heat conductivity apparatus was supported with a retort clamp and

stand.

2. A methylated spirit lamp was placed in the center of the conductivity

apparatus.

3. A ruler was used to measure exactly 3 cm from the conductivity

apparatus to the top of the methylated spirit lamp below it.

 4. The push pins were attached to the slots on the ends of each metal blade

using heated wax.

5. The methylated spirit lamp was lit, and the timer started.

6. The time taken for each candle to fall was recorded.

Precaution:
1. Do not get burned.
2. Ensure that lamp is placed in the center of the conductivity apparatus

Limitation:

1. Difficult to have all the methylated spirit lamps giving off the same heat.
2. Unlikely that the conductivity apparatus will be heated evenly

Results: Table comparing the rate of conduction of heat of different metals

Metals Time taken for candle to fall Order in which candle fell
(seconds)
Aluminum 20 1st
Brass 23 2nd
Iron 48 4th
Copper 38 3rd
Discussion:

Conduction is the process by which heat energy is transmitted through

collisions between neighboring atoms or molecules

Metals are a good conductor of heat because the electrons in them can move

around easily, and they can carry heat from one part to another

The reason why the metals fell in the order of aluminum first then brass

second, copper third then iron because aluminum is a better conductor of heat

then the other three metals.

Conclusion

I deduce from the lab that aluminum is a better conductor of heat then the
three other metals. The second best conductor of heat is brass then copper
then iron. The tacks fell in the order in which metal conducted heat better
which made the wax melt which showed us which metal conducted heat better
and which metal conducted heat worse out of the four metals.