Investigating Thermal Conduction is a free interactive simulation of heat
transfer through solid metals for GCSE Physics (Edexcel IGCSE 4PH1).
Students vary the metal — aluminium, copper, iron or brass — and time how long it takes for
wax to melt and a ball bearing to drop, to compare how quickly each metal conducts heat. No
login required — includes a worksheet and self-marking quiz.
Aim: To investigate the rate of thermal conduction in four different metals.
Results Table
Metal
Trial 1 (s)
Trial 2 (s)
Trial 3 (s)
Average (s)
Aluminium
—
Copper
—
Iron
—
Brass
—
Analysis
Order the metals from best to worst thermal conductor based on your average times. Which metal conducted heat fastest?
Why does the ball bearing drop? The wax melts when it reaches its melting point. The faster heat travels along the rod, the sooner the wax melts and the ball bearing falls. The first ball to drop is attached to the best thermal conductor.
Click Heat Now to start heating all four rods at once, then click Start / Stop to start the stopwatch.
Watch the ball bearings. The moment each metal's ball drops, read the stopwatch and enter the time in that metal's Trial 1 cell.
Click Reset and repeat the whole heating run twice more, recording Trial 2 and Trial 3 for every metal.
Click Calculate Averages to find the mean drop time for each metal.
Use your averages to order the metals from best to worst thermal conductor, and write your answer in the analysis box.
Why is it better to average three trials for each metal rather than trust a single reading?