Activity 3.5 Class 10 Science | Metals and Non- metals

This activity demonstrates the thermal conductivity of metals by heating a metal wire.

 

Thermal Conductivity of Metals

Aim of the activity

To study the thermal conductivity of metals

Materials Required

    1. Copper or aluminium wire

    2. Stand

    3. Wax

    4. Pin

    5. Spirit lamp

Procedure

We follow the following steps –

 1. Take an aluminium or copper wire. Clamp this wire on a stand.

2. Fix a pin to the free end of the wire using wax.

3. Heat the wire with a spirit lamp, candle or a burner near the place where it is clamped.

 Observations

It is observed that wire the clamp is heated, after some time the pin falls down. This shows that heat flows through the wire and melts the wax, and the wire does not melt even after heating for a long time.

Explanation

 Heat flows through the wire; therefore, metals are good conductors of heat and have a high melting point, also, as the wire does not melt on long heating.

 

Metals are also good conductors of heat. The thermal conductivity of the metals is due to the free movement of valence electrons.

 

 When we heat one end of the metal sheet, the valence electrons present in that portion move towards the colder region, resulting in thermal conductivity.

 Conclusion

We can conclude through this activity that metals are good conductors of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

    1.  What property of metal does this activity explain?

Answer – Thermal conductivity

    2. Does the metal melt in this activity?

Answer – No, metals have a high melting point.

    3. Name the metals which are good conductors of heat.

Answer – Silver, copper and aluminium, etc