Page 82 - ScienceStd4

Experiment 2: Investigating good and bad conductors of heat

Aim: Identify good and bad conductors of heat through
solids
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY

Materials: A metal spoon, a plastic spoon, a wooden stick, a
cup of hot water and a few small pieces of butter

Caution: Teacher supervision is required.

Procedure

1. Place a small piece of butter at the tip of metal spoon,
plastic spoon and the wooden stick. Make sure the butter
sticks well to the tip of each object.

2. Dip the bottom end (the part without butter) of each spoon
and the wooden stick into the cup of hot water at the same
time.

3. Observe which piece of butter melts the fastest and record
your observation.

Results

The metal spoon will conduct heat quickly from the hot water,
causing the butter to melt fast. The material whose butter
melts first is the good conductor of heat. The plastic spoon and
wooden stick will conduct heat much slower, and the butter
may take longer to melt or not melt at all. The one whose butter
melts last is the bad conductor of heat.

Conclusion

This experiment helps us identify how different solids (metal,
plastic, wood) conduct heat, allowing us to differentiate between
good and bad conductors of heat.

75

14/01/2025 18:38
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STD 4.indd 75
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STD 4.indd 75 14/01/2025 18:38