Question

State the applications of conductors and insulators of heat.

Answer 1

Conductors:

1. A conductor allows current to heat/electricity to flow easily through it.
2. Thermal conductivity (heat allowance) of a conductor is very high.

Application of conductors:

1. Mercury is a common material in thermometers to check the temperature of the body as mercury is a good conductor of heat.
2. Cooking vessels are made up of metals as they absorb heat faster and transfer it for cooking food.
3. Iron is a common material used in vehicle engine manufacturing to conduct heat.

Insulators:

1. Insulators don’t allow current/heat to flow through them.
2. Thermal conductivity of an insulator is very low.

Application of insulators:

1. In woolen clothes cold air gets trapped and we feel warm during the winter season.
2. Plastic is a good insulator and it finds its use in making handles of cooking vessels so that handles can be held while cooking.
3. Rubber is a common material used in making tyres, fire-resistant clothes, and slippers.
4. Insulators are also used in fireproofing ceilings and walls.