You already know that when a cooler material, say a spoon, touches a hotter material like steaming hot tea, the thermal energy will move from the hot tea to the cooler spoon by conduction. But what if that spoon were made of wood instead of metal, or if that ceramic mug were made of styrofoam? Would it still warm up your hands on a cold day?
Watch this video to learn about how well different materials transfer both heat and electrical energy. As you watch the animation, you might want to check the definitions of specific terms. In addition to the glossary words listed above the terms insulator and conductor will be described.
Stop the animation at any time, watch it again, or read the transcript.
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Thermal energy (aka heat) travels between and through materials by conduction. But not all materials are created equal-- some materials are really good at transferring heat energy. A metal spoon, for instance, heats up if it’s in a hot cup of tea. A wooden spoon? Not so much.
Materials that transfer heat fast and efficiently, are called conductors. And materials that don’t are insulators.
Metals, for instance, are some of the best conductors there are: Silver, copper, aluminum. While things like rubber, plastic, wood and even air, are good insulators. They don’t transfer heat efficiently.
What makes a material a good conductor or insulator doesn't only apply to heat energy. It applies to electrical energy as well. Copper wires transfer electricity from here to there, and rubber insulators, well, insulate.
So, why should you care? Well, conductors and insulators are used in everything. In your house, car, clothing, food packaging, and in any device, machine, or appliance that uses electricity. And knowing how, why, and how much materials conduct or insulate keeps our lives warm and cozy or cool and connected.
In the space below describe the differences between an insulator and a conductor. Give examples of each.