A student places a small metal container inside a larger metal container, as shown in Fig. 4.1. There is an air gap between the two containers. The student investigates the effect of the size of the air gap on the rate of cooling of hot water.
Plan an experiment to investigate the effect of the size of the air gap between the small metal container and larger metal containers on the rate of cooling of hot water.
The following apparatus is available:
• a small metal container
• a number of metal containers of different diameters (all larger than the small container)
• a thermometer
• a stopwatch
• a measuring cylinder
• a supply of hot water.
You can also use other apparatus and materials that are usually available in a school laboratory.
You are not required to do this investigation.
In your plan, you should:
• explain briefly how to carry out the investigation
• state the key variables to control
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display your readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how to use your readings to reach a conclusion.
A diagram is not required but you may draw one if it helps your explanation.