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NEW online articles for Primary
Science "If you can't stand the heat..." |
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How hot is hot?
We know to measure the heat of an object we use a thermometer this gives us the degree of hotness of the object, nowadays given in degrees Celsius. We can make our own thermometer to show a rise or fall in temperature. We will need a small fizzy drinks bottle or drinks can a see through straw, plasticine, food dye and a piece of card. Fill the container to the top with water, add enough food dye to give a noticeable colour. Insert the straw into plasticine then push into the neck of the container until the straw is about halfway between seal and bottom. This can be a messy operation, best to wear gloves and carry out the operation in a sink. Ensure a good seal around the neck with plasticine or blue tack. Press gently down on the plasticine 'till water rises above the plasticine. See photograph on how the card is attached, mark the water level on the card. Stand the bottle in a basin warm water, the coloured water should rise up the straw, again mark the card. When the container is removed from the basin, the temperature should drop to the original mark. This is a very crude thermometer. We found that the temperature rise was quickest in the can when placed in hot water but the fizzy drink bottle appeared to work best as a crude thermometer. Try moving the mouse over the picture to see the effect of a rise in temperature. |
