Heat Energy: Calling All Conductors!
In our study of heat transfer, we have begun to discuss conductors. And we're not talking about the people who drive trains! We're talking about materials that allow heat energy to move through them easily. Our spoon lab in class clearly showed that metal is a much better conductor than either wood or plastic. In fact, wood and plastic are actually very poor conductors of heat energy because they do not allow the heat energy to move through them easily. This is why the handles of your parents pots and pans are made of plastic or wood; it keeps the cook from burning their hand when they pick up the hot pot. They don't allow the heat from the metal part of the pan to reach your hand and hurt you.
If you did have a pan that was solid metal, including the handle, how would you pick it up? Potholder to the rescue!!! Potholders are made of cloth, which is another material that blocks heat energy. It is an example of an insulator. It traps the heat of the metal handle and keeps it close to the handle so it can't get to your hand. Can you think of other insulators...how about blankets, winter coats, feather comforters, and so on? All of these items trap the heat of your body and keep it from conducting to another object. This keeps you warm and cozy!
Can you think of other examples of conductors or insulators? Leave a comment! I want to hear what you think!
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For decades we have been taught not to waste energy. We know that we should turn off lights and water when we aren't using them. We know we should insulate our homes to prevent heat loss and cut down on air conditioning. We know everything should be done as efficiently as possible. But still we are wasting an endless amount of energy and most of this is heat energy. It follows, of course, that scientists are working to find a way to turn that waste heat back into a usable energy source.
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