Module 7
PlanningGuide

Lab 2.10

Lesson 2.9
Lesson 2.10
Lesson 2.11
Lesson 2.12
Lab 2.9
Lab 2.10
Lab 2.11
Lab 2.12
Project 7

Physics Lab 2.10 Conduction

Overview
The purpose of this laboratory class is to illustrate some differences in the thermal conductivities of different metals. In this experiment, we use bars or pipes made from different metals, and use wax to attach marbles to the metal objects at different intervals along its length. The metal objects are heated at one end using the same heat source, and the time taken for each marble to drop is observed. This indicates the rate at which heat travels along the length of the object.

Experiment 2.10.1 Conduction in metals

Equipment
Gas cooker
Marbles
Wax
2 or 3 metal pipes of bars (1 to 2 meters in length)

Procedure:

1. Using melted wax, attach a series of marbles at regular intervals to each pipe.
2. Place one end of each pipe in the flame of a gas cooker and support the other end of the pipe so that it balances on the cooker and the support.
3. Light the gas and observe the rate at which heat travels along the pipe.