Thermal Conductivity Of Metals And Non
Thermal Conductivity of Metals and Non-metals
1. Introduction
Thermal conductivity is a physical property of materials of great importance. Unlike some physical properties, however, thermal conductivity cannot be directly measured. In order to determine a material's thermal conductivity, intermediate quantities must be determined from which the conductivity may be ultimately calculated. The objective of this lab was to determine the thermal conductivity of metals. To do so, it was necessary to study the differences between thermal conductivity of metals/alloys and non-metals. This report presents the findings of the lab. The complete experimental procedure is detailed, the data retrieved is analyzed, and the accuracy of the findings as discussed.
2. Experimental Procedure
Materials and Equipment
The following materials were used in the experiment:
One (1) aluminum sample rod
One (1) steel rod
One (1) brass rod
Roll of thermal tape
Candle
Stopwatch
The following laboratory equipment was required:
One (1) clamp stand
A set of calipers
3. Procedure Initial Setup
Using the calipers, the diameter of each sample rod was measured and recorded.
The each sample rod was individually attached to the clamp stand.
After attaching the rod to the clamp stand candle wax was poured to one end of the rod.
In order to provide heat the candle was set up by the other end of the sample rod to ensure heat transfer to the sample rod.
Data Collection
After the above setup was placed, the candle was lit, and then using the stopwatch to record the time we observed how long it took the sample rod to melt the candle wax. Thereafter the time taken for melting of the candle wax was recorded. The procedure was carried out throughout all the sample rods.
4. Results
The following table represents physical rod measurements made at the beginning of the experimental process and the time taken by each sample rod to melt the wax.
Rod Diameter , Meters
Time taken, Seconds
1. Introduction
Thermal conductivity is a physical property of materials of great importance. Unlike some physical properties, however, thermal conductivity cannot be directly measured. In order to determine a material's thermal conductivity, intermediate quantities must be determined from which the conductivity may be ultimately calculated. The objective of this lab was to determine the thermal conductivity of metals. To do so, it was necessary to study the differences between thermal conductivity of metals/alloys and non-metals. This report presents the findings of the lab. The complete experimental procedure is detailed, the data retrieved is analyzed, and the accuracy of the findings as discussed.
2. Experimental Procedure
Materials and Equipment
The following materials were used in the experiment:
One (1) aluminum sample rod
One (1) steel rod
One (1) brass rod
Roll of thermal tape
Candle
Stopwatch
The following laboratory equipment was required:
One (1) clamp stand
A set of calipers
3. Procedure Initial Setup
Using the calipers, the diameter of each sample rod was measured and recorded.
The each sample rod was individually attached to the clamp stand.
After attaching the rod to the clamp stand candle wax was poured to one end of the rod.
In order to provide heat the candle was set up by the other end of the sample rod to ensure heat transfer to the sample rod.
Data Collection
After the above setup was placed, the candle was lit, and then using the stopwatch to record the time we observed how long it took the sample rod to melt the candle wax. Thereafter the time taken for melting of the candle wax was recorded. The procedure was carried out throughout all the sample rods.
4. Results
The following table represents physical rod measurements made at the beginning of the experimental process and the time taken by each sample rod to melt the wax.
Rod Diameter , Meters
Time taken, Seconds