PASCO TD-8561 THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY APPARATUS - Manual (Page 7)

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012-03349D Thermal Conductivity Apparatus
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
— Steam generator that will deliver approxi-
mately 10 grams/minute (e.g., PASCO’s
Model TD-8556 Steam Generator)
— Freezer
— Container to collect melted ice (a paper
cup is fine)
Experiment: Measuring Thermal Conductivity
— Gram balance to weigh collected water
(you could collect the water in a graduated
flask, but your results will be less accurate)
— Container to collect condensed steam
— Grease such as petroleum jelly
("Vaseline")
Measuring Thermal Conductivity
➀ Fill the ice mold with water and freeze it. Do not freeze water with lid on jar. (A few drops of
a non-sudsing detergent in the water before freezing will help the water to flow more freely
as it melts and will not significantly effect the results.)
➁ Run jar under warm water to loosen the ice in the mold.
➤ NOTE: Do not attempt to “pry” the ice out of the mold.
➂ Measure and record h, the thickness of the sample material.
Mount the sample material onto the steam chamber as shown in Figure 2.
➤ NOTE: Take care that the sample material is flush against the water channel, so water will
not leak, then tighten the thumbscrews. A bit of grease between the channel and the sample
will help create a good seal.
➄ Measure the diameter of the ice block. Record this value as d
1
. Place the ice on top of the
sample as shown in Figure 2. Do not remove the ice but make sure that the ice can move
freely in the mold. Just place the open end of the mold against the sample, and let the ice
slide out as the experiment proceeds.
Container for collecting
melted ice
Material
sample
Steam
Generator
Figure 2 Experimental Setup
Water channel
Clamps
(Top View) Ice in Mold with bare ice
against material sample
Container for collecting
condensed steam
➃