Which is the best conductor?

Equipment:

• hot water
• 2 litre icecream carton with lid
• samples to test (preferably of same or similar size in cross-section) for example
  - large steel nail
  - copper pipe
  - aluminium strip
  - wooden iceblock stick
  - toothbrush
  - plastic spoon
  - cardboard
• wax, or butter, or margarine

Method:

Put holes in the lid of the container so the samples can be poked through, with just the top half of the sample sticking out above the lid when it is fastened on at a later stage.

Poke the samples through the lid. (Using the lid will prevent steam loosening and softening the blobs of wax).

Prepare the samples by carefully placing a small blob of wax or butter or margarine on the end of each.

Check that you have used fair testing principles when selecting the size and the placement of the blob.

Put very hot water into the container, and place the lid on it.

Watch to see which sample melts most quickly, and which takes the longest.

• Which material conducted heat the most quickly? Which material is the best conductor of heat?
  
• Which material conducted heat the most slowly? Which material is the poorest conductor of heat?
  
• Which material would therefore be best to use for saucepans or pots?
  
• Which material would therefore be best to use for handles on hot food containers?