5.3 Astronauts keep coolApril 13, 2023

Why does the handle get hot?

Aims

• Describe how heat transfer occurs through solids. [Level 5]

• Explain how the materials in the Space Shuttle reduce the transfer of heat. [Level 5]

• Analyse data and use it to make predictions. [Level 6]

• Link the properties of materials and their limitations to the application of them in real situations. [Level 7]

Key terms

•Conduction•Conductor•Insulator

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Ststpstile.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/TPScube.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Space_Shuttle_(HRSI_tile).png

5.3 Astronauts keep coolQuestions

1. Name two objects in your house that need to be good conductors and two that need to be good insulators.

2. Why are the Space Shuttle’s tiles better insulators than the sand that they are made from?

3. People often put duvets on their beds to keep them warm at night. A duvet acts as an insulator. Explain how it keeps people warm.

4. You often see chefs on TV use a cloth to hold pans. What is the difference between their pans and the ones you use at home?

1 of 2

(Level 4)

(Level 4)

(Level 5)

(Level 6)

5.3 Astronauts keep coolQuestions

5. Do you think conduction happens in liquids? Explain your answer using the particle model.

6. Some heaters have concrete blocks inside them. These blocks are heated all night and give off heat all the next day. Is concrete a good or poor conductor? Explain your answer.

7. Imagine that you are going to investigate which material out of wood, fibreglass or polystyrene is the best insulator.a. What variables would you need to keep the same to make the test fair?b. Design an experiment to find the best

insulator. 2 of 2

(Level 7)

(Level 8)

(Level 8)