P2.1 - Energy Transfer by conduction

The wax melts fastest on

The rod that is the best conductor

Factors affecting energy transfer per second through a layer of insulating material

• the temperature difference across the material

• the thickness of the material

• the thermal conductivity of the material

To reduce the energy transfer

• thermal conductivity of material should be low

• insulating layer should be thick

How to compare insulating materials

Use a can of hot water wrapped in turn with different metals of the same thickness. For each material measure the temperature change over a fixed time for the same volume of water at the same starting temperature