Energy Transfers
4 marks · NormalDescribe an experiment to compare how quickly heat travels by conduction along rods made of copper and steel. Your answer should include apparatus, the method, the measurement you would take, and how you would know which material conducts heat better.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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Must show: Apparatus: copper and steel rods, heat source, drawing pins with wax/petroleum jelly, Describe how to arrange and heat rods, Describe what is measured/observed (drawing pin falls off), Explain how to compare results
Common mistakes: Not mentioning fair test (equal rods, distance, heat source)
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Identifies apparatus: rods of the two metals, heat source, drawing pins with wax/jelly.
M1 · 1 mark · Describes method: drawing pins attached at equal distances along rods, rods identify which metal is which, all exposed to same heat source.
M1 · 1 mark · Describes what is measured/observed: time for each pin to fall off / order in which pins fall off.
M1 · 1 mark · Explains result: rod whose pins fall off first is better heat conductor.
Worked solution
Attach drawing pins to both copper and steel rods using a small blob of wax or petroleum jelly at equal distances from one end. Place one end of each rod in contact with the same heat source (e.g., a Bunsen burner). Observe the order/timing in which the pins fall off as the rods heat up. The rod whose pins fall off first conducts heat better, as heat reached those pins faster.