A student investigates the effect of the surface texture of a metal container on the rate of thermal energy transfer (heat loss) from the container. He knows that dull, rough surfaces are better radiators of thermal radiation than shiny, polished surfaces, and wants to investigate the rate of cooling of water in containers with different surface finishes.
The following apparatus is available:
He can also use other apparatus and materials that are usually available in a school laboratory.
Plan an experiment to investigate the effect of the surface texture of a metal container on the rate of loss of heat from the container.
You should:
301 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy, covering 2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators, 2.3.1b Explaining thermal conduction, 2.3.2 Convection, 2.3.3a Thermal radiation, 2.3.3b Surface colour and texture, 2.3.3c Rate of emission and absorption of radiation, and 2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.