ABSTRACT

This experiment is to determine the heat transferred by using two different materials which is
plastic and asbestos. The experiment was conducted by using steam and without steam. The
time was recorded approximately 10 minutes and the mass of the water in the beaker from the
melted ice was calculated to determine the heat transferred. The diameter of the ice was
measured before and after the experiment and the thickness of each sample materials were
calculated. The thermal conductivity, k was measured using the following equation:
k = Q h / A T t
The value of k for the asbestos is higher than the plastic.

INTRODUCTION
There are three ways that heat can be transferred from one point to another point which are
conduction, convection and radiation. Each way can be analyzed by their own mathematical
relationship. By using the TD-8556 Steam Generator, the rate of thermal conduction can be
investigated through common materials used in building construction. The equation giving the
amount of heat conducted through a material is:
Q = k A T t / h
In this equation, Q is the total heat energy conducted, A is the area through which conduction
takes place, T is the temperature difference between the sides of the material, t is the time
during which the conduction occurred and h is the thickness of the material. The remaining
term, k, is the thermal conductivity of a given material. The units for k depend upon the units
used to measure the other quantities involved.

OBJECTIVE

The objective or aim for this experiment was to determine and compare the thermal
conductivity of samples material. (e.g. plastic and asbestos)
To determine the effect of thickness, area and temperature differences towards the value
of thermal conductivity.

THEORY
Heat conduction takes place from one point to another point. Heat energy will flow from the
region of higher temperature to region of lower temperature. The equation giving the amount of
heat conducted through a material is:
Q = k A T t / h
In this equation, Q is the total heat energy conducted, A is the area through which conduction
takes place, T is the temperature difference between the sides of the material, t is the time
during which the conduction occurred and h is the thickness of the material. The remaining
term, k, is the thermal conductivity of a given material. The units for k depend upon the units
used to measure the other quantities involved. The value of thermal conductivity, k is given by
the relation:
k = Q h / A T t

APPARATUS

Steam generator that will deliver approximately 10 grams/minute (e.g., PASCOS Model
TD-8556 Steam Generator).
Freezer
Container to collect melted ice (a paper cup is fine).
Gram balance to weight collected water. (The water collected in a graduated flask, but
the results will be less accurate)
Container to collect condensed steam.
Grease such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

FIGURE 6.1 Experimental Setup 1

METHODOLOGY / PROCEDURES
1. The ice mold was filled with water and it was frozen. Do not freeze water with lid on jar.
(A few drops of a non-sudsing detergent was poured in the water before freezing. This
will help the water to flow more freely as it melts and will significantly effect the results)
2. The jar was run under warm water to loosen the ice in the mold.
3. The thickness of the sample material was measured and recorded.
4. The sample material was mounted onto the steam chamber as shown in Figure 6.1.
5. The diameter of the ice block was measured. The value was recorded as d . The ice was
placed on top of the sample as shown in Figure 6.1. Do not remove the ice but make
sure that the ice can move freely in the mold. The open end of the mold was placed
against the sample, and the ice was let to slide out as the experiment proceeds.
6. The ice was let to sit for several minutes so it begins to melt and comes in full contact
with the sample.(Dont begin taking data before the ice begins to melt, because it may
be at a lower temperature than 0C)
7. The data was obtained for determining the ambient melting rate of the ice, as follows:
a. The mass of a small container used for collecting the melted ice was determined and
it was recorded.
b. The melting ice in the container for a measured time, ta (approximately 10 minutes)
was collected.
c. The mass of the container plus water was determine and it was recorded.
d. The first measured mass was subtracted from the second to determine mwa, the
mass of the melted ice.
8. The steam was run into steam chamber. The steam was let to run for several minutes
until temperature stabilize so that the heat flow is steady. (A container was placed under
the drain spout of the steam chamber to collect the water that escapes from the
chamber)
9. The cup used for collecting the melted ice was emptied. Step 7 was repeated, but this
time with the steam running into the chamber. As before, the mass of the melted ice was
measured and recorded, mw and t , time during which ice melted (5-10 minutes)
10. The diameter of the ice block was remeasured and the value was recorded as d .
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