The four materials to be tested were a cotton wash cloth, aluminum foil, wax paper, and plastic wrap. I chose these variables because each one was a completely different material than the others. My original prediction was that the cotton wash cloth would provide the best insulation and the tin foil would provide the least.
An equal amount of water measuring 120 degrees Fahrenheit was poured into each much and a rubber band was used to attach each material securely.
After thirty minutes, each cover was removed and the temperatures of water were recorded.
The cotton wash cloth worked the best with the water measuring 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The mugs covered with aluminum foil and wax paper both measured 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The plastic wrap provided the least insulation with a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit.Since these results were so close, I decided to conduct the experiment a second time. I decided to wait forty-five minutes before removing the covers to see how much the outcome would change. The cotton wash cloth still provided the best insulation with the water measuring a temperature of 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The aluminum foil and wax paper did not yield the same results after waiting the additional time. The aluminum foil measured 97 degrees and the wax paper measured 96 degrees Fahrenheit. With the water temperature measuring 94 degree Fahrenheit, the plastic wrap again provided the least amount of insulation.
If I was to repeat this experiment, I would choose different materials to test. I would test a piece of wool against the cotton wash cloth too determine which one provides the best insulation. My prediction is that the wool would provide better insulation than the cotton wash cloth. Another idea would be to cut equal size squares of four different materials to place on top of each mug. Four materials that would be great to test are cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic, and rubber. My prediction for this test is that the rubber will provide the best insulation and the cardboard will provide the least. Do you agree or disagree with these predictions? Why do you feel this way?
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI used the same materials and received the same results as you did. I had anticipated that the foil would hold the heat better. I have always used it while cooking to keep food warm so that is why I chose it. However, to my suprise the cotton cloth did the best.
My confusion was about the foil. If aluminum foil is a metal, which is suppose to be a conductor, why does it act as an insulator and keep foods warm or cold? Any ideas? I looked on line for the answer and found some that made sense but were not from a very reputabale source so I am not sure what the right answer is.
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI used the same set up, but used foil, paper, an over mitt & a down comforter. For me, the foil worked best (paper cooled the most).
I didn't feel like there was enough of a change in temperature after 30 minutes so I let mine go for a total of 45 minutes too.
My issue was with the thermometers we were provided. I took initial readings before I started the experiment & the thermometers did not give an accurate reading since they only went up to 120 degrees. I think it would be more accurate if we used digital thermometers.
If I did it again, I'd like to test wool too since it seems to be a good insulator.
The metal worked best for me. However, the results were much closer than I expected.
ReplyDelete