P2 Energy transfer by heating

Question 1

how can you test to find out which of different rods of materials is the most thermally conductive

Answer 1

each rod is coated in a thin layer of wax on one end
the uncoated ends are heated together the rod which the wax melts on first is the best thermal conductor
the rods have to be the same width and length.

Question 2

what’s a perfect black body

Answer 2

an object that absorbs all the radiation that hits it

Question 3

what’s black body radiation

Answer 3

radiation emitted by a perfect black body

Question 4

what ways are houses insulated

Answer 4

double glazed windows
thicker bricks w low thermal conductivity
loft insulation
aluminium foil between a radiator panel and the wall
cavity wall insulation