How Surface Area to Volume Ratio Affects the Rate of Heat Loss

How Surface Area to Volume Ratio Affects the Rate of Heat Loss

Aim

The aim of this investigation is to answer the following questions:

Why do elephants have trouble cooling down? And why do mice have

trouble keeping warm.

Apparatus

5x cans (5 different sizes)

1x Bunsen burner

1x heatproof mat

1x Thermometer

1x Ruler

1x Kettle

1x Stopwatch

1x Tripod

1x Gauze

1x Clamp and stand

Plan

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* Label each can from A to E in ascending order, A the biggest and E

the smallest. A representing the mouse and E representing the

elephant.

* Measure and record the height and diameter of each can.

* Fill can A to the top with boiling water out of the kettle.

* Bring the water back up to a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius,

to make sure it is a fair test and that all the cans start from

100 degrees Celsius.

* Use a clamp and stand to hold the thermometer inside the can,

position it so that the bulb of the thermometer is in the centre

of the can.

* With a stopwatch ready to start timing, switch off the gas to turn

off the Bunsen burner and start timing.

* Read and record the temperature on the thermometer every two

minutes for twenty minutes.

* Repeat this for all of the other cans, twice for each one and make

a recording of all the temperatures, and work out the averages.

Safety

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* Always wear safety glasses during the practical to protect the

eyes and avoid any hot water being splashed into them.