Experiment 5A

Thermal Insulation

Abstract
The study presents a student lab experiment on thermal insulation and examines the
process of heat transfer and how it can be absorbed or insulated towards a material.
Heat just like energy can neither be created nor destroyed and instead it can only be
transferred from one form to another. Heat can be transferred using three mechanisms
namely, conduction, radiation, and convection. The experiment tackles the concept
behind the conduction and insulation of an object. More importantly, the experiment
showed the cooling rate differences between a complete calorimeter vessel and an
incomplete calorimeter vessel. Results from the experiment indicated that the incomplete
calorimeter has a faster cooling rate compared to the one which is completely insulated.
The complete vessel obtained a steeper slope while the graph for the incomplete vessel
indicates a more varied data set. It was thereby concluded in the experiment that
thermal insulation keeps the temperature of and object or liquid constant for a longer
period of time.

I. Introduction

Heat has always been an important aspect of our lives, whether if it is for us humans, or
for plants and other animals. Heat is a result of energy, which can either be beneficial or
dangerous for our survival. There are many instances by which, we humans have carried out the
conservation of heat. An example of which is how we maintain our body temperature with
respect to our environment. During winter, humans usually wear a thick layer of clothing as
compared to the type of clothes that we wear during summer. The process by which we store our
food is another example of keeping a constant temperature for a longer period of time. Similarly,
there are also instances by which we reduce the presence of heat in a certain environment. The
main focus of this experiment is grounded upon the process by which heat is transferred and how
it can be absorbed or insulated towards a material.
The first law of thermodynamics or the conservation of energy implied that energy can
neither be created nor destroyed, but instead it can only be transferred from one form towards
another. The same implication is applied on heat by which, heat can only be transferred from one
system towards another system [1]. Heat is usually transferred from a higher temperature object
towards a lower temperature object or environment. There are three mechanism by which heat
(energy) can be transferred namely, conduction, radiation, and convection [2]. In this
experiment, the process on how conduction occurred and the process of thermal insulation are
examined.

II. Objectives

The experiment examines the basic mechanisms of thermal insulation. More specifically the
experiment aims to:
 familiarize the concept of thermal insulation
 measure the cooling rate of hot water in two different vessels: a.) in a complete
calorimeter and b.) in a vessel without lid

III. Theory

The transfer of heat involves three mechanism namely, conduction, radiation and
convection. Conduction usually occurs in solids, while convection happens in fluids, and
radiation occurs through anything that will allow radiation to pass [2]. Conduction occurs when
two object at different temperatures are in contact with each other. As stated, heat flows from the
warmer object towards the cooler object until it reached equilibrium [3]. Conduction is the
movement of heat through a substance by the collision of molecules. At the place where the two
objects touch, the faster-moving molecules of the warmer object collide with the slower moving
molecules of the cooler object. With the collision of their molecules, the faster molecules will
give up its energy and the slower molecules gains more thermal energy. In other words,
conduction is the process by which energy is transfer through the exchange of kinetic energies
between the particles of an object. Some substances can conduct heat easily while others may
take some time in order to conduct heat. Solids for example can conduct heat better than liquids
and liquids can conduct heat better than our gasses. For some applications, materials that can
prevent heat transfer between objects, described as poor conductors or commonly known as our
insulators are used to maintain the temperature of a material for a longer period of time.

IV. Apparatus and Materials

The experiment would require the usage of the following materials: thermometers,
stopwatch, calorimeter, beaker, and rags. First, beaker (a.1) was used in this experiment to hold
and measure the amount of water to be transferred towards the inner vessel of the calorimeter.
Second, the calorimeter (a.2) was also used in order to hold the water and keep the heat of the
liquid for accurate measurements. Third, a thermometer (a.3) was also used in this experiment, to
monitor the changes in temperature that occur between each vessel. Lastly, a stopwatch (a.4) was
used in order to track the time and to measure temperature changes accurately.

a.1 a.2 a.3

a.4
V. Procedure

One of the important apparatus use in this experiment is the calorimeter. As shown in
Figure 1, the calorimeter consisted of different parts. To make the calorimeter complete, a
thermometer was inserted in one of its holes.

Figure 1: Parts of a Calorimeter

In the experiment, the temperature of an initially boiling water (85°C) place at different
vessels was monitored and measured at a 1 minute interval for 10 minute duration. The amount
of boiled water utilized for both vessels in the experiment is approximately 200 mL. Also,
extreme caution was observed upon pouring the boiled water into the beaker and upon
transferring it into the inner vessel of the calorimeter.
The initially boiling water was poured in the inner vessel of the calorimeter. It was
ensured that the thermometer is inserted and the vessel is properly sealed with its insulating
cover. A temperature of 85°C was first obtained before measuring and recording temperature
values. However, it was also considered that only 77°C was observed in this experiment. It was
then recorded as the initial temperature for time t = 0. The temperature drop for every 1 minute
of 10 minutes was then recorded and tabulated.
After recording the values needed prior to the complete calorimeter, the inner vessel was
taken out from the calorimeter, was rinse thoroughly and was allowed to cool down until it reach
the standard room temperature. Similar procedures were done for the incomplete calorimeter,
aside from the fact that the calorimeter was not sealed with its insulating cover. The drop in
temperature were also recorded and tabulated and it was ensured to have the same initial
temperature with the first vessel. After gathering the data for both vessels, the temperature values
for each vessel were plotted as a function of time. Lastly, the data together with the graph was
analyzed and examined.

VI. Data and Results

The temperature changes for both vessels were recorder for 10 minutes in a 1 minute
interval, and the results were then tabulated and are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Temperature readings for both complete and incomplete vessel.

Complete calorimeter properly
covered
t (min) T (°C)
0 77
1 76
2 75.5
3 75
4 74.2
5 73.9
6 73.5
7 73
8 72.5
9 72
10 71.8
Inner vessel without lid
t (min) T (°C)
0 76
1 71.8
2 69.5
3 68
4 66.1
5 64.5
6 63
7 61.5
8 60.2
9 59
10 57.8

A linear graph was made out of the values indicated in Table 1 for both the complete and
incomplete vessels. Shown in Figure 1 and 2 are the graphs for the complete calorimeter and
incomplete calorimeter, respectively.
 Thermal Insulation: Complete Calorimeter
78
77
y = -0.5064x + 76.568
Temperature (°C) 76
75
74
73
72
71
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Time (min)

Figure 1: Temperature decrease on a complete calorimeter.

Thermal Insulation: Incomplete Calorimeter

80
70
y = -1.6927x + 73.682
60
Temperature (°C)

50
40
30
20
10
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Time (min)

Figure 1: Temperature decrease on an incomplete calorimeter.

Based on the graphs for each vessel, the complete calorimeter has a steeper slope as
compared to the incomplete calorimeter. This indicates that the values gathered for the
incomplete calorimeter is more varied than the complete calorimeter vessel. Lastly, it is clearly
seen from the results that the change or the decrease of temperature in an incomplete calorimeter
is faster compared to the one which is completely insulated.
VII. Questions and Answers

Answers to Pre-Lab questions:

During the experiment proper, it was ensured that the recorded initial temperatures for
both vessels and as well as the volume of water used in the experiment are the same or at least
closer to each other. It is important for us to use the same volume of water because volume
affects how heat is transferred into the system. Also, volume determines how much heat is
needed in order for the liquid or system to achieve thermal equilibrium. Basically, it meant that
the greater the volume of water used, the longer it would take for the system to change its
temperature. On the other hand, it is also important to record the same value for the initial
temperatures of each vessel in order for us to properly examine and point out the differences
between their changes in temperature per minute.

1. In which vessels does the temperature decrease slowly? Give a brief explanation.

From the data gathered, there is a slow decrease in temperature in the complete
calorimeter vessel compared to the inner vessel without a lid. This is due to the fact that the
complete calorimeter is completely insulated, keeping the heat of the liquid for accurate
temperature measurements. Also, the incomplete calorimeter allows the liquid/water to become
exposed with the environment, allowing kinetic interactions between their particles and
therefore, results to heat loss.

2. Give examples for the use of thermal insulation?

This process of thermal insulation is also important in some aspects of our lives. Thermal
insulation is commonly used in our buildings and houses, by which it allows us to maintain
acceptable temperatures and to make our houses more energy efficient. Another example would
be seen in our food preservation methods specifically, the usage of refrigerators. The refrigerator
usually transfers heat from the inside of the fridge towards its external environment.
3. Name some material which is suitable for thermal insulation in houses?

The commonly used thermal insulation materials for our houses and buildings are
fiberglass, mineral wool insulation materials, cellulose insulation materials, natural fibers,
polystyrene, cementitious foam, phenolic foam and insulation facings.

VIII. Conclusion

Based on the results, it is evident enough that insulators have greatly affected how heat
can be transferred from one system to another. Insulator prevents the transfer of heat from the
environment towards the system or vice versa, preventing kinetic interactions between particles
to happen. The process of thermal insulation, have also created great contributions into our life
and have made our live easier. The presence of insulators allowed us to keep the heat of an
object constant for a longer period of time.

References
1. Conservation of Heat. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.bookrags.com/research/conservation-of-heat-wop/#gsc.tab=0
2. How Does Heat Travel? (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/light_lessons/thermal/transfer.html
3. The Three Mechanisms of Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation. (n.d.).
Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-6907-7_9
 Experiment 5B
Absorption of Thermal Radiation

Abstract
The study presents a student lab experiment on the absorption of thermal radiation which
qualitatively determines and compare the differences between the rate of heat of
absorption between two coated test tubes (i.e. black coated and aluminum coated). Heat
just like energy can neither be created nor destroyed and instead it can only be
transferred from one form to another. The primary focus of the experiment lies towards
the heat transfer mechanism done by radiation. The results of the experiment indicates
that the black coated test tube has a higher absorption rate compared to the light coated
test tube. It was thereby concluded in the experiment that thermal radiation is greatly
affected by the color of a material. The darker the color of the material is, the greater the
chances that it will not reflect any of the radiation. While, the lighter the color of the
material is, the greater are the chances that it will reflect all of the radiation.

I. Introduction

Heat has always been an important aspect of our lives, whether if it is for us humans, or
for plants and other animals. Heat is a result of energy, which can either be beneficial or
dangerous for our survival. There are many instances by which, we humans have carried out the
conservation of heat. An example of which is how we maintain our body temperature with
respect to our environment. During winter, humans usually wear a thick layer of clothing as
compared to the type of clothes that we wear during summer.
The first law of thermodynamics or the conservation of energy implied that energy can
neither be created nor destroyed, but instead it can only be transferred from one form towards
another. The same implication is applied on heat by which, heat can only be transferred from one
system towards another system [1]. Heat is usually transferred from a higher temperature object
towards a lower temperature object or environment. There are three mechanism by which heat
(energy) can be transferred namely, conduction, radiation, and convection [2]. In this
experiment, the process on how radiation occurred and how heat can be absorbed are examined.
II. Objectives

The experiment examines another mechanism of heat transfer and tackles how heat is transferred
via thermal radiation. More specifically the experiment aims to:
 Qualitatively determine and compare the rate of heat absorption of a white coated surface
and that of a black coated surface; determine the speed of sound in air.

III. Theory

Heat is applied in order for us to increase the temperature of a certain material. By

definition, heat is energy transfer between a system and its surrounding due to their temperature
differences. The transfer of heat involves three mechanism namely, conduction, radiation and
convection. The most common way to introduce heat towards an object is through radiation.
Unlike conduction and convection, radiation is a method of heat transfer that does not rely upon
any contact between the heat source and the heated object [2]. A common example is how we
feel the heat of the sun without even touching it or having physical contact with it. Heat can be
transferred by radiation such as light infrared, ultraviolet and radio waves which usually emanate
from a hot body and are absorbed by a cooler body. Thermal radiation often called as infrared
radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation, which consists of electromagnetic waves
travelling at the speed of light.
During the radiation process, the object absorbs the energy being transferred and its
temperature increases. An ideal absorber of radiation would be an object that absorbs all energy
incident/clashing on it. These objects are commonly referred to as black body. A black body is
an idealized physical body that absorbs all incident electromagnetic radiation, with no regards of
the frequency and angle of incidence. A white body on the other hand, is one with a rough
surface that reflects all incident rays completely and uniformly in all directions. However, in
reality incident radiation will always be partially absorbed and partially reflected, which explains
the reason as to why a black body and a white body is considered only as an ideal absorber and
an ideal reflector, respectively.
IV. Apparatus and Materials

The experiment would require the usage of the following materials: graduated cylinder, support
base, butterfly clamp and short support rod, test tube, aluminum coated and test tube, black
coated with hole rubber stoppers. The graduated cylinder (a.1) was used to measure the amount
of water to be used in the experiment. The support base (a.2), along with the butterfly clamp
(a.3) and short support rod (a.5) holds the two test tubes to be used in the experiment set-up. A
thermometer (a.4) was also used to record the change in temperature for both tubes. Test tubes
(a.6) with aluminum and black coating were used to hold the water in the experiment and to keep
the heat in the liquid. Similarly, a stopwatch (a.7) was also used to monitor time. Lastly, a light
bulb was used to provide heat and radiation towards the tube.

a.1 a.2 a.3 a.4

a.5 a.6 a.7 a.8

V. Procedure

A set-up similar to the one shown in Figure 1 was assembled. The butterfly clamp was
attached towards the short rod and base. It was used to hold the two test tubes with aluminum
coating and black coating at different ends. The 100-W light bulb was then placed on the center
of the rod, giving equal distribution of light and radiation for both the two coated test tubes.
After preparing the set-up of the experiment, it was ensured that the stoppers with
thermometers for both tubes were inserted firmly. Initial temperature readings were then
gathered before the experiment proper. The light bulb was then switched on and temperature
readings were gathered and tabulated for 20 minutes in a 1 minute interval. Lastly, the
temperature readings obtained were plotted as a function of time. The results, including the graph
were then analyze and examined.

Figure 1: Thermal Radiation set-up.

VI. Data and Results

The temperature for both test tubes, were recorded based on a 1 minute interval for a 20
minute duration. The changes in temperature for both tubes are shown in Table 1.
 Table 1: Temperature rise for both black and aluminum coated test tubes.
Black Coated Aluminum coated
t (min) T (°C) T (°C)
0 26.5 26.5
1 26.8 27
2 27.0 27.1
3 27.5 27.5
4 28 28
5 28.5 28
6 29 28.5
7 29.5 29
8 30 29
9 30.4 29.5
10 31 30
11 31 30
12 31.5 30.5
13 32 30.7
14 32 31
15 32.1 31
16 32.8 31.3
17 33 31.8
18 33 32
19 33.5 32
20 33.5 32

An increasing linear graph was made out of the values indicated in Table 1 for both the
coated test tubes. Shown in Figure 1 and 2 are the graphs for the black coated test tube and
aluminum coated test tube, respectively.
 Thermal Radiation: Black Coated
40
35
Temperature (°C) 30
25
20 y = 0.3723x + 26.686
15
10
5
0
0 5 10 15 20
Time (min)

Figure 1: Temperature rise for black coated test tube.

Thermal Radiation: Aluminum Coated

35
30
Temperature (°C)

25
y = 0.2892x + 26.746
20
15
10
5
0
0 5 10 15 20
Time (min)

Figure 2: Temperature rise for aluminum coated test tube.

Based on the graphs for each coated tube, the black coated test tube has a greater slope as
compared to the aluminum coated tube. This indicates that the black coated test tube absorbs
more light and thus, increasing the temperature of the liquid faster. The aluminum coated test
tube on the other hand, also showed an increase in temperature but is slightly smaller than that of
the black body.
VII. Questions and Answers
Answers to Pre-Laboratory questions:

The stoppers should be attached firmly in order to prevent heat from escaping from the
tube towards the external environment and to prevent heat from the external environment from
disrupting the experiment set-up. Also, it is for us to keep and maintain the head of the liquid for
more accurate measurements.

1. Which body absorbed heat radiation better? Why?

The black coated test tube absorbed heat radiation better. The black coated test tube
actually imitates the characteristics of a black body while the aluminum coated test tube,
represent the characteristics of a white body. By definition, a black body is an idealized physical
body that can absorb all incident electromagnetic radiation. With its color, it prohibits the
reflection of any light and therefore, the temperature of the system will increase more rapidly.

2. Give further examples which confirms this observation?

A good example for this concept is a snow and a furnace. Snow is a bad absorber of light
but a good reflector of it. It explains why snow remains to be cold and bright at the same time.
Furnace on the other hand, absorbs all the emitted thermal radiation within its walls.
Another example related to this observation is our shirt selection. Wearing light colored
shirts allows us to feel comfortable during the summer, while dark colored shirts are usually not
prescribed.

3. Make a statement relating color and absorption ability?

A material which is a very good absorber looks black because it absorbs all incoming
light. On the other hand, a light colored material is not a good absorber because it reflects light
and reflects most of the radiation. Therefore, the darker the material is, the greater is the rate of
absorption.
VIII. Conclusion

Radiation is indeed the most common way of transferring heat from the environment
towards the system without any contact between the heat source and the heated object. Based on
the results, it is evident enough that thermal radiation is greatly affected by the color of a
material. It was observed in the experiment that a black coated test tube will accumulate a greater
rate of absorption compared to an aluminum coated test tube. With this, the concept of an ideal
absorber and ideal reflector is verified. Therefore, the darker the color of the material is, the
greater the chances that it will not reflect any of the radiation. Similarly, if the color of the
material is lighter then, the greater are the chances that it will reflect all of the radiation.

References
1. Conservation of Heat. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.bookrags.com/research/conservation-of-heat-wop/#gsc.tab=0
2. How Does Heat Travel? (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/light_lessons/thermal/transfer.html