Energy transfer
This section focusses on the ways in which thermal energy is transferred by the processes of conduction, convection and radiation. The concepts of specific heat capacity and latent heat may provide more challenges but are relatively straightforward to carry out experimentally. Below are resources that provide guidance and experiments to help you.
Applying the formula for specific heat capacity gives them the chance to practise math skills of substitution and rearrangement of the equation.
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Thermal conductivity
These two short videos demonstrate the difference in thermal conductivities of a plastic and aluminium. Ice cubes are placed on a block of each material with the one on the aluminium melting rapidly compared to the one on the plastic. The demonstration will allow you to develop the idea that a material feels cold because it is a good conductor which is why aluminium feels colder to touch than plastic and why the ice then melts faster on the aluminium.
Thermal radiation
This video explains what thermal radiation is, making it clear that it is infra-red radiation which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and as such unlike conduction and convection, it doesn’t require particles for energy transfer. It also includes what are good and poor emitters of infra-red.
Thermal radiation and Leslie's cube
Leslie's cube is a classic demonstration of the emission of thermal radiation. The cube is heated to a uniform temperature by filling with water. The side of the cube are painted different colours: Shiny, matt, white and black. In this video a thermal imaging camera is used to view the infra red (thermal radiation) emitted from each of these surfaces.
Tea Bag Rocket
A simple way to show convection. All you need is a teabag that can open out (when emptied) into a tube and a match! Some more instructions are here.
Conduction
This video is the full experiment in real time to investigate the rate of conduction in various metals.
Convection experiment
This video demonstrates a convection experiment for GCSE Physics using potassium permanganate in water with a Bunsen burner.
Infrared radiation absorbed results
This video clip demonstrates an investigation into the absorption of infrared radiation by different surfaces. This is a required practical for students to understand and be able to carry out for GCSE Combined Science and Physics.
Infrared radiation emitted
A pair of videos that investigates the emission of infrared radiation by different surfaces. The first allows students to see the experiment undertaken and the second clip explains how to plot a graph to evaluate the relationship. This is a required practical for students to understand and be able to carry out for GCSE Combined Science and Physics.
Leslie Cylinder
This clip shows how to easily make a simple version of a Leslie cube to investigate the emission of infra-red radiation by different surfaces. This is a required practical for students to be able to understand and carry out for GCSE Combined Science and Physics.
Thermal insulation
A pair of videos that studies the thermal insulation properties of bubble wrap. This first video allows students to see an experiment that investigates how increasing the number of layers of bubble wrap around a beaker affects the cooling of hot water. The second explains how to interpret the data, plot the graph and determine whether there is a relationship between the amount of bubble wrap and the rate of cooling. This is a GCSE Physics Required Practical.