EXPERIMENT #4: THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUID AND GAS

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiments are:
1) To investigate the thermal conductivity of gas (air) and water.
2) To observe the temperature gradient within the test module.
THEORY/BACKGROUND
In physics, thermal conductivity (often denoted k, or ) is the property of a
material to conduct heat. It is evaluated primarily in terms of Fourier's
Law for heat conduction. Heat transfer occurs at a higher rate across materials of
high thermal conductivity than across materials of low thermal conductivity.
Correspondingly materials of high thermal conductivity are widely used in heat
sink applications and materials of low thermal conductivity are used as thermal
insulation. Thermal conductivity of materials is temperature dependent. The
reciprocal of thermal conductivity is called thermal resistivity.
Air and other gases are generally good insulators, in the absence of convection.
Therefore, many insulating materials function simply by having a large number
of gas-filled pockets which prevent large-scale convection. Examples of these
include expanded and extrudedpolystyrene (popularly referred to as "styrofoam")
and silica aerogel. Natural, biological insulators such as fur and feathers achieve
similar effects by dramatically inhibiting convection of air or water near an
animal's skin.
Light gases, such as hydrogen and helium typically have high thermal
conductivity. Dense gases such as xenon anddichlorodifluoromethane have low
thermal conductivity. An exception, sulfur hexafluoride, a dense gas, has a
relatively high thermal conductivity due to its high heat capacity. Argon, a gas
denser than air, is often used in insulated glazing (double paned windows) to
improve their insulation characteristics.
Fouriers Law
The law of heat conduction or better known as Fouriers law states that the heat
conduction is proportional to rate of change of temperature with respect to
distance multiply by a negative thermal conductivity constant. Heat is always
transfers from a high to low temperature region, hence justifying the negative
sign in the equation. The equation below represents the Fouriers equation
mention above.
q x kA

dT
dx

A - Area perpendicular to the direction of the heat flow

k - Thermal conductivity of the material
In most cases, the thermal conductivity can be assumed to be constant for a
specific material. However, this is not entirely true because the thermal

conductivity of a material is affected by both pressure and temperature. The

importance of Fouriers law can be outlined whereby most of the heat conduction
calculations are based on it.
Newtons Law of Cooling
Cooling is one of the natural occurrences that occur in our daily lives due to the
differences in temperature gradient though out the various objects. After some
considerate observation, Newton states that the rate of change of temperature
with respect to time is proportional to the net temperature difference of the
surrounding temperature and the initial temperature of the object.
dT
k (T T0 )
dt

k - Constant
T - Temperature of the object at time T(t)
T0 - Initial temperature of the object
The equation above can be solved by taking the integral on both sides and the
equation is simplified as below:
Ti Ts (T0 Ts )e kt

By solving this equation in order to find the constant k, it would allow us to

determine the instantaneous temperature of the object just by having the initial
temperature of the object, the surroundings temperature and the time.
For this experiment:
1) Determine thermal conductivity of water and gas (air)
2) Plot the temperature profile for water and gas (air). Explain on the each
graph plotted.
3) Compare the value of thermal conductivity obtained in experimental
with the standard value. State the reason for deviation, if any.
4) Discuss sources of error that might cause discrepancy.
EQUIPMENTS
Control Panel
Pressure Gauge
Charging Gas Valve / Drain Valve
Liquid Charging Valve
SAFETY/PRECAUTION
1) When in operation, ensure that the heater is not run continuously for
durations exceeding 10 minutes for temperatures exceeding 200C.
2) Ensure the control box is kept dry always.
3) Ensure that the heater is always switched off whenever the unit is not in use.
4) Do not touch the test module when conducting the experiment.
5) Ensure no water source is nearby the control box and test bench.
6) Ensure that the heater is always switched off whenever the unit is not in use.

RESULTS
Test Material:
P (W)
T101 (C)
T102 (C)
T103 (C)
Tc101 (C)
K (W/m.K)

75

100