Thermal insulators
I can use the idea of vibrating particles to explain why wrapping an object in a thermal insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
Thermal insulators
I can use the idea of vibrating particles to explain why wrapping an object in a thermal insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Particle vibrations are passed on more quickly between a hot object and conductor than a hot object and an insulator.
- Materials that contain trapped air provide good insulation because gases are very poor thermal conductors.
- Wrapping an object in an insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
Common misconception
Insulators warm objects up.
Show your class that an insulator keeps an ice cube colder for longer by wrapping one in a conductor (such as aluminium foil) and another in an insulator at the start of the lesson. The ice cube in the conductor will melt first.
Keywords
Thermal conduction - a change in temperature due to particles passing on their motion through the forces between them or by particle collisions
Thermal conductor - a substance through which thermal conduction happens quickly
Thermal insulator - a substance through which thermal conduction happens slowly
Insulation - a layer of thermal insulator around an object to help maintain its temperature
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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