Activity 3.5 Class 10 Science

In this activity, we will study the effect of heating on metals and learn conduction of heat.

Aim of the activity

To observe what happens when a metal wire is heated.

Material Required

   1. Aluminium or copper wire

   2. Clamp stand

   3.  Small pin

   4.  Wax

   5. Spirit lamp

   6.  Matchstick

Procedure

We take an aluminium or copper wire or rod and clamp it on a stand with its one end and let one end free.

Now we fix a small pin to the free end of the wire using wax.

After this, we heat the wire near the clamped end using spirit lamp and observe what happens.

Observation

We observe that after some time, the wax melts and the pin falls down but the metal wire does not melt.

Explanation 

When we heat the one end of the wire, heat travels through the wire and wax on the other end melts and pin falls down.

Metals are good conductors of heat.

 The metal wire does not melt because metals have high melting points.

Conclusion

This activity proves that metals are good conductors of heat.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

   1.  What does this activity prove about metals?

Answer – This activity proves that metals are good conductors of heat.

    2. Why does the metal wire not melt when heated?

Answer – Metals have very high melting points so they don’t melt at normal temperature.

  3. Why aluminium and copper wires are used in this activity?

Answer – Because they are excellent conductors of heat.