Particle Theory of Matter - Conduction

Particle Theory of Matter - Conduction

Aim:

To observe conduction along a metal rod

Equipment:

A metal rod

Retort stand

Clamp

Bunsen Burner

Petroleum Jelly

5-10 Drawing pins

A stopwatch.

Method

1. Set up and light a Bunsen burner

2. Smear a small amount of petroleum jelly on to the head of each drawing pin

3. Attach the drawing pins at even intervals along the length of the metal rod.

4. Clamp one end of the metal rod to a retort stand.

5. Position the retort stand so the unclamped end of the metal rod is in the Bunsen flame and start the stopwatch

6. Record the time it takes for each pin to drop in the table below.

Results:

Pin 1 48 secs

P 2 -  1:46

P 3 - 2:48

P4 - 5:15

P 5 - (We used a bit too much Petroleum Jelly so we had to push it off. :l 21 29

Observation:

After we lit the bunsen burner the first pin fell in 48 seconds which was pretty quick the next one was almost a minute later. 1 minute later the next pin fell and then the next one after about 2 minutes. However, we used to much Jelly on the 5th one so it never fell off even after 21 minutes.

Explanation:

The heat from the Bunsen burner would have traveled through the metal as that is what happens to certain metals. Because of this, the metal getting hot and that made the jelly melt causing the pin to fall. It, however, takes time for the heat to get to the end which is why the back pins take the longest.