Interpret insulation trials

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper or a browser document for a labeled drawing, table or explanation.
• Worked problem inputs: Two wraps start at 40°C. After matched time one cup is 30°C, another 35°C. Explain the bounded result.
• Assessment case 1: Wrap A and B have equal water mass, start 40 °C and run 10 minutes; endpoints are 28 °C and 34 °C. What is warranted? Which inference or prediction is best supported?
• Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Different wraps and starting temperatures.
• Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Matched cup loses fewer degrees.
• Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Wrap shown without readings.
• Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Different water amounts accompany wrap change.
• Assessment case 6: A matched wrapped cup cools less than its unwrapped control. Which explanation fits? Which inference or prediction is best supported?

Learn the idea

An insulator slows energy transfer rather than generating cold or warmth. Compare initial temperatures, elapsed times, amounts and environments before attributing differences to material.

Matched means all stated conditions same except covering. Confounded means another key condition changes. Slower cooling means smaller temperature decrease in matched trial. Unmeasured means no temperature result supplied.

For the supplied mechanism problem, Two wraps start at 40°C. After matched time one cup is 30°C, another 35°C. Explain the bounded result. The recorded drops are 10°C and 5°C. The second wrapped cup cooled less under these matched conditions. This supports slower transfer in that setup, not a claim that insulation creates energy.

1. Read the supplied problem and mark the structures, processes or quantities named: Two wraps start at 40°C. After matched time one cup is 30°C, another 35°C. Explain the bounded result.
2. Draw the relevant boundary, pathway or comparison and label it using the scientific ideas above.
3. Write a causal explanation or calculation, showing how each observation supports the result.
4. Compare your reasoning with the worked solution; name a condition that would change or limit the inference.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

New trial: matched cups start at 50°C and finish at 42°C or 35°C. Expected: drops of 8°C and 15°C; the first cup cooled less. State matched time, amount and surroundings before attributing this to insulation.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.