### **Experiment #8: Heat Transfer**
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#### **Hypothesis:**
The paper towel, due to its fibrous structure, will act as a better insulator compared to newspaper
and polythene plastic, resulting in the smallest temperature drop.
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#### **Aim:**
To determine which material—newspaper, polythene plastic, or paper towels—provides the best
insulation to reduce heat loss from a cup of hot liquid.
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#### **Apparatus and Materials:**
- Three identical cups (same material and size)
- Hot water
- Newspaper
- Polythene plastic
- Paper towels
- Thermometer (±0.1°C accuracy)
- Stopwatch/timer
- Rubber bands
- Insulated gloves (for safety)
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#### **Variables:**
- **Controlled:**
- Initial temperature of the water.
- Volume of water in each cup.
- Size and material of the cups.
- Room temperature and environmental conditions.
- **Manipulated:**
- Type of insulating material (newspaper, polythene plastic, paper towels).
- **Responding:**
- Temperature of the water over time.
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#### **Method:**
1. Boil water and allow it to cool slightly to approximately 70°C.
2. Pour equal amounts of water into the three cups, ensuring consistency.
3. Wrap each cup with one type of material (newspaper, polythene plastic, paper towel) and secure
with rubber bands. Leave one cup uncovered as the control.
4. Measure and record the initial temperature of the water in all four cups.
5. Place the cups in a room with minimal airflow to avoid interference.
6. Use the thermometer to record the water's temperature every 5 minutes for 30 minutes.
7. Repeat the experiment three times to ensure accuracy and reliability.
8. Record all temperature readings in a table for comparison.
Data to be Collected:
Interpretation of Data:
- Compare the rate of temperature decrease across the different cups.
- Identify which material demonstrates the slowest rate of heat loss.
- Use the results to conclude which material is the most effective insulator.
Precautions:
1. Handle hot water carefully to avoid burns.
2. Use insulated gloves to prevent injury.
3. Ensure the thermometer is clean and functional before use.
4. Keep the environment constant (e.g., avoid drafts, consistent room temperature).
Source of Error/Limitations:
1. Inconsistent wrapping of materials could affect insulation.
2. Variations in room temperature during trials.
3. Heat loss from the top of the cup may vary if not insulated.
4. Thermometer reading errors due to user handling or limitations in accuracy.
Assumptions:
1. The hot water’s starting temperature is consistent across all trials.
2. All materials are applied uniformly around the cups.
3. Environmental conditions (temperature, airflow) remain constant during the experiment.
4. The cups and insulating materials do not absorb significant heat themselves.
