Level 4️⃣ Video #3: Thermal Insulators vs Thermal Conductors

Why is the scientist touching each spoon?

• to check the color of the spoon

• to check the temperature of the spoon

Why do you think more hot water is added to the cups?

• to increase the amount of thermal (heat) energy in the cup

• the make the cups look better

Which type of spoon is getting warmer?

• wooden spoon

• metal spoon

• plastic spoon

What is causing the butter to begin to melt and slide on the metal spoon?

• a transfer of heat energy from the air to the spoon, which is cooling the butter

• a transfer of heat energy from the water to the spoon, which is heating the butter

Why do you think there were no changes on on the plastic and wooden spoons?

• Wood and plastic do not transfer heat energy as quickly as metal because they are thermal insulators

• The metal spoon is larger than the wooden and plastic spoons.

Some materials (mediums) can transfer thermal energy more easily than others. Which type of material is the best to use to transfer thermal energy?

• wood

• metal

• plastic

Conductors allow energy to flow (transfer) easily. Insulators stop or slow the transfer of energy.  Which types of materials would you use if you did NOT want the butter to melt?

• wood and plastic

• metal and plastic

Which spoon is a conductor? (Allowed the transfer of heat energy to melt the butter)

• wood

• plastic

• metal

Which spoons are insulators? (stops or slows heat energy transfer and keeps the butter from melting)

• wooden

• plastic

• metal