Lab Exercise: Energy and Heat

Approximate time: 3 to 4 hours

Instructions:

• Take the temperature readings on a sunny day of at least two pairings of materials (4 items total) such as: concrete versus black top and bare soil versus sand. There are an infinite number of possible pairings, such as a light color automobile hood vs to a dark color auto hood; a piece of steel versus a piece of aluminum or wood of the same size; temp inside an auto with all windows shut versus the temp outside of the auto; and others. Use your creativity for items to compare.
• Allow sufficient time for the thermometer to record an accurate temperature for each item you chose.
• Record the outside temperature for the day your do your testing and the following for each of the 4 items you test:
  • Type of material
  • Texture of material
  • Color of material
  • Temperature
  • Length of time you allowed for the thermometer to take the readings

Are there differences in the temperature values? What causes the differences?