Paper 1 - Investigating Energy Transfers

Question 1

what is the method for investigating the effectiveness of different insulators
6 points

Answer 1

1) boil water in a kettle, pour some of the water into a sealable container to a safe level - measure the mass of the water in the container
2) use a thermometer to measure the initial temp of the water
3) seal the container and leave it for 5 mins, using a stop watch
4) remove the lid and measure the final temp of the water
5) pour away the water and allow the container to cool to room temp
6) repeat these steps, wrapping the container in different materials each time (one of the containers having no insulator)

Question 2

what equipment do you use for this experiment
4 points

Answer 2

1) thermometer
2) sealable container
3) stopwatch
4) material you’re testing

Question 3

what should you find from this experiment

Answer 3

the temperature difference (and so energy transferred) has reduced by wrapping the container in thermally insulating materials

Question 4

why should you leave one container not covered

Answer 4

to act as a control beaker, so you can compare the temperature change of the water with and without insulator

Question 4

what are some control variables
4 points

Answer 4

1) same mass of water
2) same thickness of material
3) room temp
4) time left for

Question 5

what other factor that affect how good a material is at insulating can you investigate using this experiment
2 points

Answer 5

1) the thickness of the material
2) you should find the thicker the material the less energy transferred and less change in temp of the water