Insulation Experiment and Temperature Control

Mr. Reese from Mars Berry Science demonstrates a practical experiment for GCSE physics involving insulation. The experiment uses cans with varying layers of insulation to observe heat loss over 20 minutes. The setup includes using bubble wrap, foam, and a cardboard lid to minimize heat loss through conduction and convection. The experiment is conducted by filling cans with hot water, measuring the temperature over time, and plotting the results on a graph. The findings show that more insulation results in slower temperature decrease, highlighting the effectiveness of insulation in reducing heat loss.

What materials are needed for the insulation practical?

• Beaker, bubble wrap, elastic band

• Beaker, aluminum foil, rubber band

• Beaker, plastic wrap, string

• Beaker, cloth, tape

How many layers of insulation can you build up in the experiment?

• One to three layers

• Two to four layers

• Four to ten layers

• Two to eight layers

What is the purpose of the cardboard lid in the experiment?

• To reduce heat loss due to radiation

• To reduce heat loss due to evaporation

• To reduce heat loss due to convection

• To reduce heat loss due to conduction

What should you do to ensure a fair test when filling the cans with hot water?

• Use the same amount of water each time

• Use different amounts of water each time

• Use cold water each time

• Use water at different temperatures each time

What is the starting temperature of the water in the experiment?

• 75 degrees Celsius

• 80 degrees Celsius

• 90 degrees Celsius

• 85 degrees Celsius

How often should you record the temperature during the experiment?

• Every 15 minutes

• Every 10 minutes

• Every 5 minutes

• Every 2 minutes

What should you do if you have five minutes to spare during the experiment?

• Wait until the next can is ready

• Repeat the experiment with the same can

• Start the next can off and run them all at the same time

• Take a break

What should you plot on the y-axis of the graph?

• Time

• Temperature

• Number of layers

• Amount of water

Which can showed the slowest decrease in temperature?

• The can with two layers of insulation

• The can with no insulation

• The can with four layers of insulation

• The can with eight layers of insulation

Why is eight layers of insulation better than two layers?

• It reduces heat loss due to convection more effectively

• It reduces heat loss due to evaporation

• It reduces heat loss due to radiation

• It reduces heat loss due to conduction more effectively