MYP Physics Lab Report Template

Criterion B

Title - The Effect of Temperature Difference on the Heating Rate of Water as a Model
for Human Temperature Increase

Research Question
To what extent does the type of surface on which a container of water is placed affect the
rate at which the water heats up?

Introduction
Heat transfer is a crucial aspect of thermodynamics and plays a significant role in
understanding how living organisms, particularly humans, manage temperature
fluctuations in extreme environments. Humans are primarily composed of approximately
60% water, making it important to understand how different materials influence heat
retention and transfer in extreme environments. The exploration of planets or moons with
suitable living conditions hinges on our ability to survive and adapt to these extremes. ​The
specific focus of this experiment is to investigate how the surface type, such as metal,
wood, or plastic, affects the rate of heating of water, which serves as a model for human
survival (since humans are mostly water).​Understanding this relationship will enable
scientists to make informed decisions about the materials and technologies needed for
sustainable living in space.

Hypothesis
I predict that water placed on a metal surface will heat at a faster rate than water on wood
or plastic surfaces. This is because metals generally possess higher thermal conductivity,
which allows them to transfer heat more effectively to the water. ​Consequently, containers
on metal surfaces will experience less heat loss to the environment, increasing water
temperature more significantly compared to those on wood or plastic surfaces.​This
prediction aligns with existing literature on thermal conductivities, which indicates that
metals like copper and aluminum are serially more efficient in conducting heat than organic
materials (Ivy Cartagenas).
Variables
Independent Variable
The type of surface on which the water container is placed—metal
(aluminum), wood, or plastic. The choice of these materials is based on
their well-documented thermal properties, particularly their distinct
thermal conductivities.

Dependent Variable
The rate of temperature increase in the water, measured in degrees
Celsius (°C). The temperature will be recorded every minute for a
duration of 10 minutes, generating 10 temperature data points for
each trial. An electronic thermometer will be utilized to ensure
measurement accuracy, and the results will be averaged over three
trials for each surface type to validate findings.

Controlled Variables
Volume of Water (500ml) - Maintained constant across all trials by using identical glass
beakers for each measurement

Initial water temperature (room temperature) - All water samples will be equilibrated to
room temperature before the experiment to prevent any initial bias in temperature readings

Type of container - The same type of container to store water must be used across all trials

Environmental Conditions - Conducting the experiment indoors under stable room

Temperature of Heat source - The heat source should emit the same amount of heat across
all trials to prevent any change in the temperature readings

Safety Precautions
Safety precautions are necessary to mitigate risks during this experiment. Hot water poses
a burning hazard; hence, we should use protective gloves when handling containers to
prevent burns. Immediate cleanup of any spills is essential to prevent slipping hazards in
the workspace.
Apparatus
​ Water containers - 3 identical glass beakers (500 mL each)
​ Heat sources - 3 hot plates, set to a consistent heat level
​ Thermometer - Range of 0-100°C
​ Surface types - Metal plate (aluminum), wooden board, and plastic surface
​ Stopwatch - For tracking the duration of heating

Method
1.​ Gather all materials and ensure a clean and organized workspace
2.​ Fill each of the three beakers with precisely 500 mL of water and place them on the
designated surfaces: one on metal, one on wood, and one on plastic
3.​ Use the thermometer to record the initial temperature of the water in each beaker
4.​ Start the hot plates to a consistent heat, ensuring equal exposure for all beakers
5.​ Start the stopwatch immediately as the water begins warming
6.​ Record the temperature of the water in each beaker at one-minute intervals for a
total of 10 minutes, ensuring the thermometer is calibrated before each
measurement
7.​ After completing the temperature recordings, turn off the hot plates and allow the
water to cool before subsequent trials
8.​ Repeat the above steps three times for each surface type to secure reliable and
accurate data
9.​ Analyze the gathered data by comparing the temperature changes across different
surfaces, documenting any significant trends, deviations, or anomalies observed
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