Thermal Conductivity—Inquiry Lab Kit for AP® Physics 2

Product Details

AP Physics 2, Big Idea 5, Investigation 4

A wooden spoon used to stir pasta in boiling water is safe to hold whereas a metal spoon would burn the chef. This is because wood is a thermal insulator and metal is a thermal conductor. That is, the thermal energy (heat) travels easily from the boiling water along the metal spoon until it is too hot to handle. In contrast, thermal energy does not travel readily through wood, owing to wood’s microscale structure. In this advanced inquiry investigation, students use two methods to explore quantitatively the abilities of various materials to conduct thermal energy.

In the introductory activity, students press their wrists against plastic and metal spoons to come up with a qualitative description of the heat transfer inherent to such contact. In the guided-inquiry portion of the investigation, students explore two slightly more quantitative methods for determining thermal conductivities and then make informed comparisons between the two methods. The guided-inquiry activity promotes deep thinking as students must question the limits of their various experimental designs.

Complete for 24 students working in groups of four. All materials, except the wax, are reusable.