Conduction of heat occurs mainly in solids. This process is where vibrating particles pass their extra vibration energy to neighbouring particles.
Convection of heat only occurs in liquids and gasses. Convection occurs when the more energetic particles move from the hotter region to the cooler region taking their energy with them.
Radiation of heat can also be called infer-red radiation. Heat radiation can travel through a vacuum. This process is different from the other two it travels in straight lines and at the speed of light. This is the only way heat can reach us from the sun. Heat radiation travels through transparent media like air, glass, and water. No particles are involved in this process it is the transfer of heat energy purely by waves.
Aim
The aim of this Investigation is to find the best insulator that prevents heat loss. The materials that I will be using are:
· Felt
· Polystyrene
· Bubble wrap
Prediction
My prediction is that the weakest insulator will be the fleece.
I chose this for my weakest insulator because:
1. There are a lot of gaps between the fibres and the heat can escape easier.
2. The other materials seem more solid and protective to the heat.
The best insulator out of the whole lot will probably be polystyrene. I chose this for my best insulator because:
1. All non-metals are good insulators
2. Polystyrene it often used to insulate hot and cold drinks. There are no gaps for the heat to escape.
I predict that these factors will effect the efficiency of the material.
· Colour
· Thickness
· Density
