Comparative Thermal Conduction
From UO Physics Demonstration Catalog
Return to Transfer of Heat
Description:
A star shaped rod composed of different metals has bits of wax at the end of each metal. Place the star-shaped above an alcohol burner top of the plastic sheet (found with the rod) over paper so that it can be seen by the projector. Light the alcohol burner and let the rod heat up. Each wax glob drips off at a different time due to the different thermal conductivities of each of the metals. The rod gets very hot so give ample time to cool before grabbing it to reapply the wax.
To reapply wax you must first have ALL SAFETY SUPPLIES PRESENT and remove all flammable objects from the area. You will be using a hand torch and that can get out of hand quickly. To reapply the wax to the ends of the star-shaped rod you first , using the hand torch, melt the top of the wax in the dish shown above. Then TURN OFF THE HAND TORCH and put a glove on the hand not holding the rod. Then quickly dip each end of the rod into the wax. Repeat this process until a nice bulb has formed on each end of the rod.
SAFETY NOTICE: This demo involves fire and very hot metal so you will need gloves, goggles/safety glasses, and a fire extinguisher. TIE UP lose hair and clothing.
Date Updated: 12/1/2021
Location:
- Star-shaped Rod: Drawer 41
- Stands: Next to Shelf N
- Clamps: Drawer 123
- Alchohol Burner: Shelf F4
- Wax: Shelf F4
- Hand Torch: Shelf F3
