G4- Heat Flow 600-700L_03_R

Did you ever wonder why it is best to use a wooden spoon to stir the spaghetti sauce? The wooden spoon does not get hot and burn your hand. Wood is a material that resists the transfer, or conduction, of heat energy. Materials that are not good conductors of heat are called insulators.

What do you think would happen if you used a spoon made of the same material as the pot to stir the sauce?

Correct! The spoon would get too hot to touch and potentially burn your hand. Most metals transfer heat and are considered good conductors.

Is it starting to make sense how the transfer of heat takes place? That’s why you pack your lunch in a special container to keep out the heat and keep your lunch cool and fresh. You might see adults bring hot coffee to work in special mugs. The mug keeps the coffee hot for a long time because it prevents the hot coffee from losing its heat energy. The mug is an insulator.

When it is time to head outside, into the cold weather, don’t worry. Your new coat to keep you warm. Your coat is a good insulator because of the materials it is made from. You will have no trouble staying warm because your coat will keep your body’s heat close.